Out of Zion

Dr. Susan Michael: Hey, are you in need of some rest? Are you feeling weary, overwhelmed, maybe burned out? Sounds like you need a little rest and peace. Jesus said that he gives rest for your soul. Sound good? Well, stay tuned and welcome to this week's Shabbat Shalom devotional, when I try to share just a little inspiration and bring a little peace to the close of your very busy week.

Several weeks ago, I talked about the importance of rest and that rest is a state of peace that God designed for us. Today, I want to talk about Jesus's offer of rest for your soul and how to attain it. Let's read Matthew 11, verses 28 and 29. This is from the NIV. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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."

If you're feeling burdened, weary, or overwhelmed, this is the verse for you. The answer is to come to Jesus. But then he explains just what exactly that means. He said to take his yoke upon you and to learn from him, and you will find rest, that he will give you rest for your soul. What does it mean to take on his yoke? It means to attach yourself to him, submit your life to him, and make him Lord of your life.

We're all yoked to something. There's something out there that is Lord over our life. It may be an area of sin. It might be a job. It might be a materialistic lifestyle where we just need more money, we need this, we need that, and it controls us and it drives us. All these ungodly yokes are a heavy burden, and they make us very weary. They're always taking from us and not building us up, and that can be exhausting.

When you take on Jesus's yoke and serve and follow him, then yes, you're still working, you're still plowing the field, but you're serving someone who is kind, who is gentle, and who gives. He doesn't just take, and he will teach you the right way to walk and to work and to plow. He's not going to overload you, but he will invite you to do more as his servant. He'll be kind and gentle. He's the best boss in the world, and he'll give rest to your weary soul.

So this Shabbat, come to Jesus and lay your burdens down before him. Then commit yourself to him and take on his yoke. It's gentle and kind and humble, and you'll find rest for your soul. And with that, I wish you Shabbat Shalom.

Guest (Male): We hope you have enjoyed this episode of Out of Zion with Susan Michael. Be sure to subscribe to Out of Zion now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pray.com, Salem1Place, and Salem Life Audio. Out of Zion with Susan Michael is a production of ICEJ USA. All rights reserved.