“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11,28-30 (NLT) |
We saw, in the previous post “Bittersweet”, that following Jesus (obeying Him) will cost us.
But how is it that He also says: ‘My yoke is easy and My burden is light’?
In ancient times, donkeys, horses or oxen were used to plow or carry things. A yoke was tied to the neck of the animal and it would pull a ‘burden’(a load). All these things are metaphorical. Jesus is conveying that His requirements are easy and His work is light.
Sometimes, the disciples of Jesus would be so baffled by Jesus’ statements that they would react almost in despair. For example, Jesus was talking about marriage and divorce in Matthew 19,1-12 and they said to Him: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” Or when it comes to being rich, Jesus makes this statement “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 23,19) and “When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 23,25). But Jesus answered them: “WITH MEN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.” (Matthew 23,26)
‘With men’ meaning with human ability, it is impossible but with God all things are possible.
The beauty with Jesus is that when He asks us to do something, He also gives the ability to do it. This what is called grace. Grace in the Bible is understood in many aspects, such as the unmerited favor of God to man but it is also divine enablement, extraordinary ability given by God.
“But God’s amazing grace has made me who I am! And his grace to me was not fruitless. In fact, I worked harder than all the rest, yet not in my own strength but God’s, for his empowering grace poured out upon me.” 1Corinthians 15,10 (TPT) |
Another precious gift that God has given us is His Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in every born again believer and it is impossible to live the Christian life without Him. It is sure frustration and disappointment when we choose to rely on ourselves.
The Holy Spirit was given to us to teach us all things. He is our helper, counselor, comforter, strengthener, intercessor and advocate. (John 14,26 AMP)
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3,6 (NKJV) |
The same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives on the inside of you. (Romans 8,11)
Nothing is impossible with Him.
You are not alone, child of God. You’re not without help.
Believe that God has given you the grace to do His will.
Yield to the Holy Spirit and His power will be revealed in and through you.
