Reclaiming RestSample

TAKE

“How many hours are you taking?” What a never ending question for college students. Each semester brings a different course load—some weighty, some relaxed. The number of hours taken determines the weight of the load; this is similar to the idea of a yoke Jesus shares in Matthew 11:28-30. A yoke is a harness of sorts that is placed on an animal, constraining it to the task at hand. Here Jesus gives followers the invitation to take on his yoke. He shows us that work and rest go hand and hand, and it is the master’s job to allot both.

Taking on Jesus’ yoke means we invite him to be the master of our life, leading us, equipping us, and walking in the direction he points. It is hard work to follow Jesus; there is a great cost to our flesh, comfort, and pride, but the reward is far greater. Lest we walk away overwhelmed, Jesus reassures us in verse 30: “…my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We should never be afraid of working for Jesus because the truth is that we work with Him. He is the only Master that both leads and works alongside us, shouldering the load, calling us friends.

In all this, we see that God is intimately interested in how we both work and rest as these are big parts of our lives and our relationship with him. So much so, that he sends his own Spirit as our helper. When we take on the yoke of Jesus, every part of our lives—both work and rest—are centered in him.

Will you take a few moments and give over your day to Jesus, asking to take on his light and easy yoke?

For further reflection:

• How are you including God in all of your work and rest? Where do you feel like he isn’t concerned?