Blessings one and all,
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! What an awesome turn of events that the beginning of Lent is also the day for love. I know, I know – Lent is pure human fabrication; but the call to pull away from the busyness of the world in order to focus more on God can only be good. If ever we need to focus on God and God’s Love, it’s now. So how about it, can we use this time to zero in on the Love which went the extra mile? If yes, then let’s begin with today’s Holy Nougat™ (p.s. you’re not being invited to get or any such thing)
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. Matthew 11:29 NLT
What does a yoke have to do with Love, God’s Love, to be precise? First we have to revisit the purpose of the yoke. The yoke fitted two oven together (usually to plow a field) or something similar. My understanding is that the lead (read stinger) ox would pull the other in the desired direction, under the guidance of the farmer. Although I’m no cow,I suspect it can’t have been comfortable for the weaker ox.
Christ’s invitation suggests that in following His lead, following would be less onerous and we would be pulling in the right direction (i.e. toward gentle treatment and rest). Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired, or sick and tired of doing things one way that doesn’t seem very productive? If yes, then perhaps it’s time to yield to the gentleness of Christ’s direction, resting in knowledge that God’s got things covered, and has guaranteed our success through Christ Himself. I sure am tired of pulling life’s burdens alone. I’ll take Christ’s instead.
How about you, ready to be paired with the best lead (ox) life has to offer? You’d make the most awesome pair!!!!
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
