“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Mattthew 11:28-30
The cycle of summer is once again upon us. A time, hopefully, for rest and relaxation or at the very least a less hectic schedule for some of us. This is even reflected in the church calendar. We have entered what is called the “non -festival” half of the church year where most Sundays will carry the title of “[X] Sunday after Pentecost.” A time of contemplation on Christ’s teachings.
However, the seasons of life hardly follow the calendar year. Troubles come in fall, winter, spring, or summer regardless of our desires. Work increases and decreases in an erratic way for many where “the best laid plans” may not come to fruition as we hope or imagine. While the earth may be on a distinct schedule, we are not. We are beholden to many things outside of our control all demanding our labor. Demanding we carry the heavy burden. Always coming to us with the underpinning threat, “Carry the weight or be crushed by it.” For you are responsible party are you not? You have the power, the strength, required to carry all things without misstep or mistake, right?
If those questions cause trepidation, let the words of Jesus come to you. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We know we cannot do all things perfectly. We know we will make mistakes, fall, and fail even with the best of intentions or efforts. Jesus knows this and comes to us to comfort us in our distress. He tells us to come to him, the one who cannot fail and who is not crushed. He offers us His yoke, the one where He bears the burden of perfection as we are guided along His way. And no matter how many times we stumble, trip, or fall He will remain steadfast on the path and see us through to the end. What end you might ask? Paradise. The yoke is easy and the burden is light because Jesus bears it all.
In Christ,
Pastor Tommy