Along with many other scriptures, I love the message of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 –30… “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

I love that passage more and more each year because I’m getting older. In fact, I will in a few days, celebrate my 63rd year. And I can say I have labored and been heavy laden more times than not, both my body and mind testify to me continually how “old” I’m getting.

It was 51 years ago when I obeyed the gospel call – “Come unto me”. I wasn’t “laboring” too hard at the time, and certainly didn’t feel “heavy laden” at twelve years old. All I re-member is that I knew Jesus said “Do it” and I said “Amen”, (let it be so).

But soon I began to feel the “yoke” getting a little heavier and heavier, and began to carry a load…some folks call it “baggage”. I forgot the message that Jesus spoke in that passage of Matthew. The reason why things kept getting tougher was because I kept trying to “take care of it myself”.

Why do we do that? Jesus said, “My yoke is easy – My burden is light”. It has taken a good portion of those years I’ve spent trying to remember, that is my burden is heavy and the pull is too hard…… I have not traded with the Lord. He has promised to carry my heavy load and let me take His. His entire load was taken care of on the cross, so His load is light, and He is willing to swap with me. The Lord knows I need some rest. Same for you, too?

I don’t pretend to totally understand, but I know enough to be eternally thankful that my Lord wants me bad enough to shoulder my load – whatever it might be. I just pray that I will have enough faith to accept the offer and turn my load over to the Lord and take on His more often.

Remember, “if your load is too heavy to bear, your not carrying the Lord’s burden and pulling with His yoke”.