Lent 2016--Day Fifteen

Yoked oxen at Old World Wisconsin. They finally got them yoked up to work. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This scripture is consolation for the one who has traveled far, for the one who has labored in the heat of the day, for the one who is burdened with cares. Its promise of rest is a blessing. It promises no more struggle. It says he is able to take your load and dispatch it; It implies that nothing is left undone.

The next verse describes the rest: "All of you, take my yoke and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

It does not say there will be no more work or labor, but it promises that Jesus will share it with you. A yoke does not make the work more odious or painful. It means you have someone to share the load. And we have to learn how to share the load. There is a learning process to working in harness. He wants to make the work more productive and to ease your stress. He wants to walk in step with you, be at your side. This is a blessing.