“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

In the sermon on Sunday, I quoted Anglican Clergyman and biblical scholar J.B. Phillips from his thoughts on the church of the apostolic era compared to today.  He said: “We are apt to reduce Christian religion to a code or, at best a rule of heart and life.  Perhaps if we believed what they believed, we could achieve what they achieved.”

Too often we create the religious code and if someone cannot live up to it, they are out.  Or we reduce the faith to bullet points, again with a connotation of “in or out”.  For some, different denominations are not “Christian enough”, while for others there is no need for a church, only a faith statement.  Yet none of these really describe the benefit to following Jesus. 

Jesus offers us rest and offers to take our burdens.  This includes the burden of classifying people, the burden of proving ourselves right over others and so much more.

I for one would love my burdens removed.  As the summer ends and things are ramping up for the fall, our schedule (as well as many others) is hectic.  I’ve spoken with many who are experiencing health issues and going through the burdens of tests, results and procedures.  Others are facing job issues, financial stress and the like.

Following Jesus will not take all these things away, however walking with Him will reduce the burden for He will carry them for you.  Maybe, if we stop for a moment, breath and pray, we will sense His presence.  Perhaps if we allowed Jesus to take our burdens, we could experience what those original apostles experienced, the presence of God with us.

Peace,

Pastor Bill