7. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: EXCHANGE

Thursday, February 29th

Read Matthew 11:28-30 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

This tender passage of encouragement and comfort is one of my favorites. Jesus invites us to come to him, take on his yoke (his teachings, ways), and find rest for our souls. It is interesting that this invitation comes right after Jesus “began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent” (verse 20). That he follows up with such gentle words seems to indicate that he is scolding the people out of pity more than anger. I sense his frustration rises because they are missing the gifts of freedom and joy found in repentance–the easier yoke, the lighter burden he offers.

to be the best version of myself…

Because he has walked among us, Jesus knows that we are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and he wants to help. Today I am thinking about the burdens I carry that ought to be relieved by repentance; judgmental burdens such as resentment, criticism, or bitterness (especially in political and social issues). But I am also invited to repent of other unnecessary and detrimental burdens, such as guilt, fear, and shame.

Jesus says, “Come to me.” We are invited to exchange our burdens for his yoke. I can exchange my self-righteousness for his humility, my critical spirit for his compassion, my anxious thoughts for his peace, my shame for his forgiveness. He will take the burdens that feel so cumbersome and replace them with his yoke of love and care for all of us.

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,
As I take the yoke of Jesus, help me to repent and surrender all that I do not need, all that is not pleasing to you nor good for me. When I am inwardly absorbed with disappointment, stress, or worry, I know that my negative words, attitudes, and criticisms can often be outwardly directed. Help me to give my burdens to you–instead of foisting them onto others. As I take on your yoke of freedom and love, and accept your compassionate understanding and forgiveness for myself, may I then extend that same grace–your grace–to others.

Our readings for Sunday will be Matthew 13:31-32 and 24:32, Luke 12:27.

(Photo by Karen, Valley Park resting place.)

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Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSVUE)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”