25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth. (Lamentations 3:25–27, NKJV)
Jeremiah ponders the goodness of God’s mercies, compassion, and faithfulness in the midst of the overwhelming sorrow of Jerusalem’s demise (due to her sins against the Lord, Lam. 3:22-24; 1:1-5). When sorrow comes into our lives, hope waits and seeks the Lord (v. 25). When we put our trust in the Lord and His sovereign will, He will send His salvation (v. 26). Youthful vigor must overcome impatience that burdens can aggravate and intensify (v. 27). God’s goodness will not overlook sin (as His punishment against Jerusalem shows). But, when we will abandon our sin and turn to the Lord, He will abundantly pardon (Isa. 55:7). The gospel of Christ explains how to receive His salvation (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; 3:19). God is good, and it is good for us to hope in Him, to wait quietly for His salvation, and to bear our burdens (Matt. 11:28-30).
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:30, NKJV)
If we seek rest from the heavy burden and bondage of sin, we will find rest in the Savior when we surrender ourselves to His yoke of obedient service. The rule of His authority over us restrains our feet from sin and directs us in paths of righteousness. We gladly learn His word and obey it from the heart (Matt. 11:28-29). Make no mistake, every disciple of Jesus wears a yoke. Christ’s rule over us is gently pleasant (“easy”), without the burdensome grief of sin’s weight (“light”). Christians express their love of God by obeying Jesus: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jno. 5:3). The way of the transgressor is hard, filled with pitfalls and dangers. The way of the Savior is easy and light, gently leading us to our heavenly home.
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. (Matthew 11:29, NKJV)
Following Jesus does not mean, as many appear to envision, recklessly living as one pleases, confident that no matter what they do Jesus will take them home to heaven in the end. (Once saved, always saved is not the gospel of Jesus, Heb. 10:26-31.) To follow Jesus one must take His yoke (an instrument of control, direction and service) upon himself. No longer guided by selfish, sinful pleasures or thoughtless, godless deeds, we must let Jesus teach us a life of service under His yoke of training and guidance. The metaphor of a yoke indicates submission to the authority of Christ. His authority is not oppressive, but liberating, as it frees us from sin’s bondage. Living and serving under His authority brings rest to souls wearied by sin. Commit yourself to let Christ rule your life. Learn His ways. Live as His servant. Discover rest for your soul.
“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)
Sword Tips 