Our Daily Bread of Rest

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

This might be my favourite Bible verse of all time. Every time I read these words, I feel I’m being wrapped up in a big warm blanket. The first time I ever read them I was quite confused, as the only yoke I’d ever heard of was the one in the centre of the egg (which as I’ve now found out is actually a yolk!) 

When I did some further reading, I found out that a yoke was a sort of harness used to connect up two oxen to a plough or a cart. It was traditional for farmers to connect a young untrained ox to an older stronger more experienced ox that would take up most of the weight and lead the younger ox on a straight path to go where they needed to go. 

This creates the most beautiful picture and invitation for us! Jesus is so graciously inviting us to share our burdens with him. He is offering to take on our heaviness and weariness on his cross-bearing shoulders, to come alongside us and walk with us along the crazy journey of life. 

As you head into your Wednesday, accept Jesus' loving invitation and find refreshment and rest as he steps in alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, to accompany you in every moment of your day.

Prayer - Jesus help me to accept your invitation of rest, let me lay down my burdens and pick up your yoke. And go out into my day feeling refreshed and renewed.