“Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” This is the most urgent, heart-felt invitation ever extended to mankind. This is a call unthinkable from the mouth of anyone else but God. This passionate plea drives none away, reaching out to all.

The call is to those who are exhausted from being battered by the storms of life, tired of being religious and finding no peace from legalism. It is an invitation to find rest in the Person of Jesus Christ – rest never found in the performance trap of religion.

“Come to Me and take My yoke,” the Eternal Son of God extols. “My yoke is easy and My burden is light,” declares the Great Shepherd. When you take His yoke, He is there pulling with you, showing you the way of life. He is gentle as He disciples, not heavy-handed. He is humble, yet strong, and His strength will help us.

Our Lord is calling, but never forces His yoke on us. Before you can take His yoke upon you, you must admit you need it. By faith you believe that Jesus’ way is the only way. To benefit from the yoke, you must submit to the Master. Then you will find that the One you are yoked to is strong enough to bear the burden, wise enough to choose the path, and powerful enough to calm the storm.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His Commandments are not burdensome.” I John 5:3