PEACE BEGINS WHEN WE RELINQUISH CONTROL OF OUR LIVES TO GOD
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
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Pastor Jasmine |
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In this passage, Jesus teaches us three things we must do in order to find the peace, or rest.
1. Come to Christ. If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in your life, you have already completed this step. If you are still searching, you might be right at the door. But know this: you will not find peace from anyone or anything else. Sure, you may have temporary peace of mind when you feel financially secure or if you think you have discovered that "perfect" relationship. But when the bottom falls out, what happens then? Only Christ can guarantee you unending peace.
2. Exchange Your Yoke for His Yoke. A yoke is a heaven wooden harness that is placed over the neck of one or more oxen in order to help pull a wagon or other piece of equipment. It enables a farmer to direct the oxen. Shifting the analogy to humans, our "heavy yoke" could be the weight of guilt, or the burden of God's commands and trying to please him through your own good works. Jesus wants you to exchange that load for his lighter load - God's grace. You can rest in knowing that you do not have to work for God's favour; you need only to accept His Son.
3. Let Jesus Lead. This is undoubtedly one of the hardest parts of this promise. That is because we want to be in control. But God says that we need to give Him the reins so that He can teach us. Are you ready and willing to leave your abilities, your future, and your problems in God's hands? Then � and only then will you experience God's promised rest for you.
These three things, simple though they may sound, are not as easily lived out. It's a challenge.
But the result is well worth it: living at peace with God and yourself.
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