Have you ever found it difficult to reconcile the words of Jesus on the Christian life?
In one place he said that following him requires a life of daily cross-bearing.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23
And in other he tells us that coming to him is a life of rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
So which is it?
The key to understanding this apparent contradiction is in Matthew 11:30 – “take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.”
The impossibly high standards of Jesus are possible, and even restful, when the great might of Jesus is thrown into the yoke alongside of us.
Friend, in your labor this week – in your trials, temptations and responsibilities – remember that you are not alone. All of the wisdom and power of Jesus is with you and in you.
He has fulfilled the laws demands on your behalf. The same righteous power that won your peace on the cross is in you now.
In him there is rest – even in our laboring.
Trust him to carry your burdens.
His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for 18 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown