My Yoke Is Easy

Scripture

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

~Matthew 11:28-30, NLT

Quote

Practical responsibilities are not to be neglected, but they are to be kept in their proper place.

~Ron Dunn

Remember the story of Jesus visiting with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Martha, a type A and leader of the family, welcomed Him into their home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these many details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” If we did not know how the story ends and the tender upbraiding that Jesus gave Martha, we would probably take her side. Martha loved Jesus and she was interested in what He had to say but she was distracted. For some reason, she felt a strong responsibility to feed HIM although He is the bread of life. So she is in the kitchen preparing dinner and trying to listen to what is going on in the den all at the same time and she got frustrated and angry. Everyone knew that Martha was upset: with Mary primarily but also with Jesus because he had not encouraged Mary to help. Jesus was about to be crucified and He wasn’t worried about lunch. He didn’t need the bread Martha was baking but she needed the bread that was coming from His lips. Martha becomes a type or picture of a Christian who’s priorities get confused.

The LORD does not want us to be irresponsible. He would not want any mother to neglect her children by going from bible study to bible study or conference to conference. He would not be pleased with a man who refuses to work under the pretense of living by faith. The story simply illustrates to us that we must keep the main thing the main thing. Our highest priority is our devotion to Jesus. He said, “My yoke is easy and My burden light.” If we put Him first and set at His feet before we stand before others, His yoke will be light. If we attempt to serve Him in the flesh, the yoke we have put on ourselves with rub us the wrong way and we will become frustrated, irritable, unhappy and complaining like Martha. Our first priority is always to sit before Him and let Him feed us. We can’t be bread to others until He feeds us.

The reason we have so many irritable Christians or professing Christians is that they are laboring in the flesh like Martha. They are doing things for the LORD but they are doing those things their way and in their own energy. They are busy, busy, busy! They are go getters and doers but they are also irritable, fussy and constantly complaining about all that they have to do because others will not help. You have to remember folks, it is all grace. You do not have to do anything for the LORD. Martha did not have to feed HIM. He is the bread of life. He is the creator of bread. He had the power to turn stone into bread. So chunk this horrible idea that you have to do certain things for Him. He can live without your bread but you cannot live without HIS. You need His forgiveness, mercy and grace but He doesn’t needs yours. Until you understand your wretched condition, your depravity {need of grace} and trust Him completely; you will never find satisfaction in serving Him. I don’t have to preach this Sunday, I get to. I don’t have to go to the men’s bible study class, I can’t wait to get there. His yoke is easy; it is our yoke that rubs us raw.

Extra

Mylee sat down to breakfast this morning and said, “Just 179 more days.” She was talking about school: they all hate school except Ty. Then Chloe testified…”I am going for the first 100 days without missing and then I am quitting.” I don’t think her mother heard her and I doubt if her plan succeeds. School is like government, it is a necessary evil.

A little antidote I heard from Ron Dunn. Man stands at the pearly gates and talks with Saint Peter. St Peter asks him, “Why are you here?” The man said, “because I want in.” Peter said, “It takes 1,000 points to get in.” No problem said the man, “I was a member of a Baptist church for 60 years.” Peter said, “That is not worth a thing.” The man said in frustration, “You mean I get no points for being a Baptist?” Peter said, “You got it. None, nada, zero!” Well said the man, “I was a deacon for 40 of those years.” Peter said, “No points for being a deacon either.” Well said the man, “I was married to the same woman for 61 years.” Peter said, “Sorry no points for being a faithful husband.” The man said, “What about church visitation and leading people to the LORD.” Peter said, “Sorry but no points for witnessing, no points for preaching, singing in the choir or teaching Sunday school.” The man said, “I know what is worth something, I was a tither and I kept up with every penny. I gave a total of $287, 912.21 to the church.” Peter said, “I am sorry but that is worth no points.” The man said finally, the way things are going the only way I will get in is by the grace of God. Peter said, “That is worth 1,000 points.” I do hope you get the message.

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