Rest for the WearySample

Surrender

Jesus gives us the two keys to rest in verse 29. And the first is this: surrender.

Remember when I mentioned on day one that I use to read "take up my yoke" and thought it was one more thing to add to my already heavy load? Have you ever thought that, or just me?

When studying this term, it's actually quite fascinating what it means. To take up my yoke means to surrender to Christ. In Biblical times, "under a yoke" meant to be a subject to someone or something. 1 Timothy 6:1 says, "Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants."

This means that when you take on his yoke, you are actually surrendering yourself to him. It's an exchange. By taking on his yoke, you release the burden. So you're not taking on one more obscure weight, but rather, you're surrendering your will, desires, and obedience to him. You're trusting God with your problems and concerns. And He will care for those needs and care for your heart.

Jesus wants us to know in this passage that the first key to genuine rest is submission. A submission to obey the Gospel and yield to the Lord.

Ask yourself this honest question today: what are you holding onto that you need to surrender to the Lord? Is God asking you to release a hobby, a sin, unforgiveness, or even a dream? This isn't a time to hold on tightly to the things and desires of this world. Honestly reflect on what God is asking you to surrender to Him and how you can walk in obedience.