Come to Me, all you 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. Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
You may be familiar with the Greek myth of Atlas. Atlas, a titan, was condemned to hold the earth on his shoulders after losing a battle with the gods. There are times in our lives we can identify with Atlas, our worries so great they feel crushing.
The human side of Jesus also must have experienced this feeling. Perhaps he was in such a period when he spoke this verse. But, unlike poor Atlas, Jesus Christ promised us; we do not have to do this alone. God will not remove the weight, but he will walk with us, step-by-step, the burden lessened by the yoke. There is still weight, but it is a weight we can bear.
Jesus also invites us to learn from him. Learning how to be more peaceful and humble, but perhaps other things like kindness, compassion, and love -- all godly attributes. Allowing our hearts to become softened and molded -- to be more like Christ.
God, we thank you for your love and compassion. We do not need to stand like Atlas bearing out burdens alone; you stand ready and waiting for us to come to you. We come to you today, asking you to walk with us, ease our troubles. In the process, may we learn what it is to be more holy and more righteous. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
