Listen

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Think

Sometimes, Jesus talks in ways that don’t seem to make sense. Jesus knows that those who heed his voice bear circumstances, responsibilities, grief, and worries that are not easy. Then Jesus says, “I have a yoke for you!”

Yokes are something farm animals wear, shoulder to shoulder, and are not of insignificant weight either. Why would Jesus suggest something else, well, heavy?

A yoke harnesses the energy and strength of a stronger animal to help another. Jesus is saying, I have strength enough to help you. Let’s do this together! Further, I won’t always ask or expect tremendous efforts at all times. The work I ask you to do is humble. The small acts are valuable too. When we work together, I will not wear you out.

Jenny Oliver Hinderer

Question to Ponder:

Since Jesus does not intend for us to do the work of service alone, who are those in your community who have been supportive and who share the work with you?

Pray

Jesus, your shoulders have carried the weight of the world. Take off the heft of what I carry, so that when I feel the gentleness of your yoke, I may find my strength renewed and the ease with which we can carry on your good works. In your name I pray, Amen.

Go

As the hours of the coming day pass, calm presence and bustling activity will ebb and flow.

God is near. God renews. Moment by moment. Each moment for the next moment.