2/25/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
There's a story about a famous opera conductor from Italy who came to the United States to direct an opera. He knew very little English. He didn't know how to explain what he wanted. But he did know how to say, "Don't do that!" In the rehearsals, then, when he saw or heard something he didn't like, he would interrupt, "Don't do that!" Eventually, he wasn't saying it any more. The performers had learned what he wanted them to do.
Our world often calls us to account. We are told that we should be free to express ourselves. However, we're often interrupted with a shrill cry of "Don't do that!" What, then, do we do?
In the midst of this confusion, as we labor, as we are heavily burdened by contradictory commands all around us, Jesus comes to us and asks him to walk along with him and learn from him. As we walk beside him, we are yoked to him as oxen are fastened together. In that relationship, the less experienced one learns from the leader. We walk with Jesus and we see what he would have us be and do. He helps us carry the load. In fact, we could make a good argument that he carries the whole load and we are along for the ride. Jesus gives us rest. His yoke is easy. His burden is light.
We don't need to struggle and strive. Jesus has called us to walk with him. Our world and its critics will probably yell at us. But Jesus is calling the shots. He shows us where it is safe to walk. He makes us learn how to do his will even in a hostile world.
The burdens of God are light. And he shows us how to carry them. I can't think of a good reason not to come to Jesus and walk with him.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
There's a story about a famous opera conductor from Italy who came to the United States to direct an opera. He knew very little English. He didn't know how to explain what he wanted. But he did know how to say, "Don't do that!" In the rehearsals, then, when he saw or heard something he didn't like, he would interrupt, "Don't do that!" Eventually, he wasn't saying it any more. The performers had learned what he wanted them to do.
Our world often calls us to account. We are told that we should be free to express ourselves. However, we're often interrupted with a shrill cry of "Don't do that!" What, then, do we do?
In the midst of this confusion, as we labor, as we are heavily burdened by contradictory commands all around us, Jesus comes to us and asks him to walk along with him and learn from him. As we walk beside him, we are yoked to him as oxen are fastened together. In that relationship, the less experienced one learns from the leader. We walk with Jesus and we see what he would have us be and do. He helps us carry the load. In fact, we could make a good argument that he carries the whole load and we are along for the ride. Jesus gives us rest. His yoke is easy. His burden is light.
We don't need to struggle and strive. Jesus has called us to walk with him. Our world and its critics will probably yell at us. But Jesus is calling the shots. He shows us where it is safe to walk. He makes us learn how to do his will even in a hostile world.
The burdens of God are light. And he shows us how to carry them. I can't think of a good reason not to come to Jesus and walk with him.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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