From part 1, we saw what rest means and we saw that the seventh day is a Holy day and a day of satisfaction. But a day can not make us holy. Holiness comes through a relationship with God in the old testament and through Christ Jesus in the new testament. And both the old and new testaments leads us to God the Father. It was a struggle in the old testament because of the flesh of man. The scriptures states in Romans 8:3-8 (KJV)
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Jesus made it easy for us, he came and took sin upon his flesh so we can be free. Going back to Matthew 11:28-3 (KJV)
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
We all have tried doing things on our own. We want to try and do the best we can do. And there is nothing wrong with trying to do the best you can do. But what happens when you try to do your best and it still doesn’t work out. Good News!!!
Christ Jesus says to come unto him. Come in this context means call or urge. Jesus is saying, he is waiting and listening. He wants us to call or cry out to him. The work has already been done through Christ Jesus.
Pastor Rick Warren said it so well. Pastor Warren was talking about the significance of a yoke.
Take MY Yoke Upon You…
A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do; some yokes are fitted to individual animals. … Other animals that may be yoked include horses, mules, donkeys, and water buffalo.
Christ Jesus is talking about taking his yoke upon us. Pastor Warren let us know that a yoke not only helps with distribution of loads between 2 animals, but is also used for training. When a farmer wants to train a younger or less experienced animal, they also use a yoke. The younger less experienced animal puts on the yoke with the older stronger experienced animal, to train them. The younger less experienced animal will have to go where the experienced animal goes, but still not have to carry all the heavy load or weight.
Jesus Christ is telling us to take his yoke on us because his work is finished and he knows the best ways to help us with our burdens; that’s why he says to cast our burdens on him. He’s got this and he’s got us. We don’t have to struggle on our own. And, do you know another awesome part to this is… the owner is there. When we see two oxen in a yoke; they are usually followed by the farmer or owner of the farm. Guess what! God The Father is the owner and he is right there with us. Now that is what I call lifting some burdens. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to cast everything on Christ Jesus. I am ready for his yoke. His work is already done and I’m tried of trying to carry all of these problems myself. My body and my soul was not made for such problems. Your body and soul was not made to carry such load.
When we give everything to Christ Jesus; we then can take his yolk, and obtain rest. I am talking about true rest. The kind of rest God initially intend from the beginning. The rest which gives peace, satisfaction, refreshing, rejuvenation etc.
Are you ready to cast your burdens? Are you ready to have God help you? Are you ready to feel new?
If you are ready then, let’s pray… Father God in the name of Jesus Christ; I confess Jesus Christ as Lord of my life. I believe that you God raised him from the dead. Father I am tired of carrying all this pain, hurt and problems around with me. I choose to take the yoke of my Lord Jesus Christ on me, in exchange for mine. I know his work is finished and he will guide me in all things. Amen.
You might still see the issues or problems, but keep reaffirming the word of God. Keep giving it over to God. You will feel him lightening your load. Be blessed everyone. And if you’re lead to give. We thank you in advance.
