Beautiful Word Devotional #357

“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:30

Maybe you’ve noticed this, but something that’s not particularly heavy can feel very heavy if we carry it too long. As Jesus addressed in this verse, he doesn’t want us carrying around heavy things. So he invited people to find in him a specific kind of rest.

For too long the people of Israel had been yoked to the Pharisees’ application of God’s law. The Pharisees had done their best to clarify God’s law in order to keep his people from violating the Ten Commandments. For too long the people had been burdened by the legalism.

Jesus wanted them to fling off that yoke and throw down those burdens and instead accept the forgiveness of sins he offered, the promise of eternal life, and the joy of living in God’s grace today. Have you accepted Jesus’ offer?

Know, too, that Jesus also cares about any and all situations, relationships, emotions, concerns, and demands that are making you weary. Go to him and find “rest for your souls” (v. 29).

Lord, thank you that I can give you all my worries and burdens and receive from you rest and peace, amen.