Rest In The Lord
Pastor Sherrye Fuentes, author
28- "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
In the past, whenever I read this verse, I always thought it was strange that Jesus said he would give us rest, then imediately tell us to take His yoke upon us. It is not really strange when you read the next part, "and learn of me." Does that sound like work to you? To learn of Him should be the goal of every believer! When you learn of someone, you get to know them. They become like an extension of yourself, if you really know them. It is like a good marriage. When the husband and wife are in sync, it is not a struggle to communicate and get things done. For a husband and wife to really know each other, they should learn of each other, and from each other. They can definitely share each other's burdens.
That is the spiritual side of it, but there is also a physical relationship involved.
Visualize oxen and the yokes they use. Just think, one oxen can pull 1,000 pounds (I picked a number out of the air). If two oxen are yoked together you would think they could pull 2 thousand pounds, right? Well, in all actuality, two oxen can pull a great deal more than twice what only one ox can, probably 3 or 4 thousand pounds. It is called synergy. Their efforts multiply each other, rather than just add to each other.
It is the same way with our relationship with the Lord. We can work really, really hard by ourselves and seem to get very little, or nothing done. But when you put Christ in the equation, ALL things are possible! Christ is in us, but not free to move around and work in the world without us, so He could seemingly spin His wheels, too. But when a willing, obedient believer is added into the equation, there is nothing that can't be accomplished!
There is another aspect to this vision. Remember, He said, "Take My yoke upon you..." This gives me the idea that He is the more experienced ox. He has traveled this road before. He knows where all the stumbling places are. He knows where all the good resting places are; where to find shade, cool water, and sweet grazing. Not only can we get a lot more done together, but the way will be smoother, and we will finish the job in better shape than if we try to "go it alone".
Yesterday a few new changes that are happening at my place of employment were spelled out to me. I was told that I was going to have to make a decision on what to do. I must say neither option was favorable to me. Anything I decided would either cause me grief off the job (in scheduling extra weekend work) or on the job (working in a really bad neighborhood). I almost made the decision on the spot, but my supervisor was occupied with another employee, and I left. That gave me time to PRAY! What a concept! Pray about work decisions! I decided to let the more experienced ox take the lead and show me where to go and what to do. He gave me specific instructions, and I must say it was an exercise of my faith to obey, and not just do what I originally planned. Here's the kicker that I realized later....just that morning, I had prayed to the Lord to give me something personal and specific to be obedient in and use my faith!
God is in control, and I am relying on Him for guidance. He is handling it, and whatever the outcome, He knows what He is doing. I plan to give a lot more to my Lord; it just makes me feel so happy to know that He wants us to do just that. He is my rest. I am learning of Jesus, and leaning on Him more and more. I would much rather have the rest in sharing His easy, light, yoke, than struggle with mine all by myself. Wouldn't you?
God Bless You as you hear His words and follow His leading.
If you read Malachi 3:10-12 and then Mark 4:12-18 you will see where the tithe can and will increase your knowledge of the word and of God. The tithe is more than just giving 10% to a church, it is a way for God to have authority in your life over all that matters, your income, your growth, even relationships. Out of about 30 people I have known for the past 10+ years only 5 tithed. The 5 of the 20 that tithed have increased in every area of their life. Where the other 15 have increased some, they are still light years behind the 5 who tithed in all areas. It is your choice, but do not tithe until you understand the tithe and what it does for you and do it from the heart and not the head.
I would like to talk a little about a revelation I recently had concerning a fairly familiar Bible passage.
If you read in Matthew 11:28, 29, & 30 you will find the words of Jesus:
29- "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
30- "For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."
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