Editor's Note: Look for devotions from Ann Spangler's books every week for the next few weeks. Today's devotion is from Praying the Names of Jesus.
"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" (Matthew 11:28–30).
One of the most winsome promises Jesus made to his followers was the promise of rest. But when was the last time you felt rested? Part of the secret of receiving the rest Jesus speaks of is to be sure that we are wearing the right "yoke." A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load. Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength. Ask Jesus to free you, his servant, from burdens he does not want you to carry.
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