Trading Yokes

I didn’t mind getting wet.  It was refreshing under the hot sun.  Sloshing through the river with Rest was kind of enchanting really.  I mean, how often do you get to do such a thing?

“Rest?” I bid him pause.

“Yes?” He turned.

I reached into my back pocket and pulled out a folded piece of lined paper.  “There’s something I need to ask you.”

“Anything.” He smiled.

“Well, there’s this verse.” I unfolded my paper.

He nodded as if he already knew what was coming.

 “Come to me, all 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 lovely in heart, and you will find rest for you souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28)” I studied the verse on my paper again wondering if the answer might leap out at me under the circumstances, “How is it that His yoke is easy, again?”  I shook my head in confusion, “I recall His life and that even the government rests on His shoulders? Just sounds like a little more than I could carry.”

“Who has the easier yoke - the slave or the freeman?” Rest responded.

I could only stare at him in want of an explanation.

“The slave will never find rest.  The freeman will have it in abundance, though it comes with great responsibility.  Christ came to break the yoke of slavery and invite you to take His yoke – one that simultaneously gives you access to rest and great impact. Following Christ invites rest and peace into your very soul. Slavery invites restlessness.  I suppose the question is - which is easier for you to live under?”

I sighed.

Rest gently took my hand and led me on down the river. “There is more to see.  We must go deeper.”