When we think about burdens we don’t think with a smile.
More of a gloomy face, I would think.
We let our necks drop into our shoulders
We surrender to the feeling of exhaustion and perhaps sadness
We long for a time when our burdens will be taken from us.
There’s a cartoon going around Facebook at the moment that shows a very heavily laden baggage carrier being pulled by a Vicar, while the owner of the cartons and bags and everything else is walking nicely alongside.
And so, here’s the thing:
JESUS is willing to carry your bag (gage).
He will.
And He’s up to the task
He says so in today’s reading from Matthew 11.
He invites us to come to Him and leave all our bag (gage) with Him.
But, it will cost you.
And I can hear the groans from here of folk saying, “I knew it!” “There’s nothing free anymore
We’ve got to pay for everything!
OK, what will it cost me?”
JESUS tells us that He will carry our bag (gage) if we just follow Him, and put on the yoke He gives us.
Now, in case you did not grow up in the country a yoke is not the yellow of an egg but a device which is attached to your shoulders and neck to help you go in the direction of the one who put the yoke on you.
That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?
But JESUS gives us some extra information.
He tells us His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. Much better than the yoke you put on yourself.
It’s one of my favourite passages in the Bible.
God has your back and your front and if you trust Him with your life, your adventures will be full of hope and energy and purpose.
May you have the courage to wear Jesus’ yoke?
God bless you
Ron
Image is one of the Station of the Cross from the Franciscan Monastery, Washington DC.
Creative Commons Licence via https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/41696744810