25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus expresses something that many of us can find comfort in, as well as take dramaticly out of context. Jesus offers us rest. For those who have worked a hard and long day they are in much need of rest. For those who have beeen putting up with young children struggling to sleep, you need rest. Similarly, those who are forced awake by stress and anxeity in their lives are in search of rest.
Sorry to say the rest Jesus is offering is not the rest you may be desiring. Many of us are just simply desiring a nap. But Jesus is giving you the opprotunity to be burdened with lighter activity. This is not the sleep you are looking for, it is the day spent with a good book. It is the time spent with family and friends in quiet reflecting on the joys of life, or celebrating a blessed event.
Jesus has revealed to you the Father who is in Heaven. He reveals to you the peace that surpasses so much understanding that we rarely even see it in our busy days. He is not taking away all burdens, but providing you with a help through your burdens. He is going to provide you with hope that one day your burdens will not be done, but bring joy, happiness, and excitement to your heart.
Jesus has a yoke and a burden, which is not nothing. But he is going to trade with you. He will take your heavy yoke and all your sins, anxieties, guilt, shame, and devistating reminders. He is going to carry it through the streets of Jerusalem, spilling his blood all over it. He he then going to seal it away in a tomb, which will become empty.
But in return you get have Jesus' yoke. You get to be perfect, and treat everyone as he has treated you. You get to turn back to the ten Commandments and do them. Oh ... Don't worry he will give you a helper called the Holy Spirit. He will work with you to lead a good life, and be a good person. This yoke and burden is a lot easier. Oh wait ... Okay he will also continue to trade yokes with you until he returns, and then we will finally have rest. But not sleep, like RIP, we will still have work to do, it will just be enjoyable.
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