November 22, 2019: SOAP #3641:  Matthew 11-13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Observation:  I have looked over this verse many times.  I have used it in previous SOAP devotions.  When my attention was again drawn to this passage, I wondered what I would find.  Then I saw it, a small word, only two letters, but the most important word in these three verses!  It is the word “my.”  As it is Jesus speaking, it means HIS yoke and HIS burden.

When I am yoked to Him, we together are pulling His load.  And just like the strength of a rope is the strength of the strongest strand, the strength that flows through the yoke is His strength!  For me, the yoke is easy, and the burden is light!

Application:   It is important for me to be pulling His load.  The world can put a lot of expectations on me—my family, my friends, and even myself also.  When the burden seems too heavy, I need to check to see whose burden it is.  When the yoke seems not to fit, I need to make sure it is His yoke.

Prayer:   Jesus, I am yoked to you by love, Your love for me and my love for you.  When life gets too stressful, remind me that it is your burden we are carrying as we are yoked together.  May I never fear picking up your burden. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!