Hello

Listen to these words said by Jesus:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Yokes were pieces of wood that a person would place across their shoulders enabling them to carry heavy loads, such as buckets of water, evenly balanced.  A burden is anything heavy that we carry.  Jesus tells us that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light.

So, following Jesus is not difficult or complicated.  He said so.

When we learn to trust Jesus, we find that these words are the simple truth; living in obedience to Jesus is not difficult or complicated.  We are called to be our loving Father’s servants, and the role of a servant is not difficult.  A servant’s job is only to be obedient.  It is not a servant’s job to make plans or set goals – the boss does that.

So, Jesus makes things simple and uncomplicated for us, his followers.  And he warns us against making things complicated.  He warns us not to be like teachers of religion who make life complicated for others.

“…do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.  They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:3-4).

We need to be very sure we do not pretend that serving our loving Father is difficult or complicated, especially if we hold positions of responsibility in churches or Christian organizations.  We must not put loads on other people’s shoulders.

 

May our loving Father bless us and keep us focused on the simple things he has for us to do today.

Jesus is Lord.

Peter O

 

Related Article

“What did Jesus teach about obeying God?”

“What does Jesus want his followers to do?”

“Loving God, the Good Parent.”

 

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