Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke * on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
We talked about the first rest yesterday, let us look closely today at the second rest. While the first is a free gift obtained on arrival, the second rest takes a while and requires that some conditions be fulfilled. You have to search, by taking up the yoke of the savior, abide with him, and learn of him. Then you will find it.
A yoke is a farming tool oftentimes made of wood that is used to tie two animals together for ploughing. The image suggests a union, a closeness, a synergy, an abiding together with Christ as he leads into the rest.
Jesus seems to be saying, walk with me , hang out with me , watch me closely and learn the kingdom ways, watch how I do things and do the same. The more we follow his examples the more we become like him, and the more we enjoy his kingdom lifestyle, of righteousness, joy, peace and power.
This second rest seems elusive to the modern Christian, yes, he came and obtained the first rest, but then he strayed away, drawn by the passions that enslaved him in the first place. The pursuit of mammon will always end in slavery. The wicked, old slave master is ever ready to heap loads on the straying saint such that life become more difficult than it was.
Why are faces drawn and taut in church on Sunday? Why are saints looking seventy at age forty? Why do we need comedians to make us laugh when we are in His presence? Where is holy laughter and the joy that use to fill our fellowships? Do we come together to get from the King or to be with Him?
I've chosen to walk alongside Him, learn His ways and enjoy His peace. There is still a rest