BIBLE BULLETS – 7

Matthew 11:28

In first-century agrarian Palestine, life was hard for man and beast. The burdens were backbreaking, and the labor was ceaseless.

Sadly, the pharisaical religious establishment piled additional heavy loads of religious observances and legalism on the already weary Jews. “Do this!” “Don’t do that!” Jesus preached, “the hypocritical teachers of works-based religion “tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them’ ” (Matthew 23:4).

God never intended the law to be a burden. “This command that I give you today is certainly not too difficult or beyond your reach” (Deuteronomy 30:11). “The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lordis trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lordare reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb” (Psalm 19:7–10).

Jesus compassionately offers to carry our burdens. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly 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).

That’s a beautiful promise and a powerful Bible bullet! Memorize it! Meditate on it!

Like a yoked oxen pulling a heavy plow, allow the All-Powerful One to slip into the yoke beside you and let Him pull the impossibly heavy burden!

Don’t groan and strain. Rest! Jesus promised rest, sweet rest!

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).