“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, 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 shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” In thinking about this verse recently, I was struck by the fact that sometimes I am “weary and heavy laden” not because of life’s pressures, but because I have followed the natural inclination of my heart down the path of least resistance. Boredom, lethargy, and restlessness are often the fruit of that. Jesus’ rest is not idleness—it comes with a yoke! He has a work for me that gives life purpose, direction, and meaning. Often that work is done with others and I end up with valued friendships. There is a satisfaction that comes from tackling new projects, being a part of building something, or discovering I have been able to bless someone else. The part of me that desires the soft, easy life does not really serve my best interests.
Other usages for the Greek word translated as “easy” are: useful, profitable, kindly, and to furnish what is needed. When I substitute any of these for the word “easy” in the passage, it gives me something to think about.
Further Note: Jesus tells us, “Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” How odd that the one whose standard is perfection is found to be gentle when we shoulder his yoke. Unlike a perfectionistic boss who always wants more than we can give, Jesus knows we cannot be perfect—and so provides the perfection in himself.
That’s a very profound meditation
Your last line is excellent and well placed. This is what I want to be able to remember. “He knows we cannot be perfect-and so provides the perfection in himself. ”
I may write this quote on a notecard and post it somewhere in my home.