I recently took on a paper route in my neighborhood because I noticed that I was behind in my bills more than I thought. Sometimes taking on an extra job or a part time job can really help us get through the rough financial times that we all go through periodically. If you live in a remote community or in an Indigenous community, it's harder to find a job like a paper route, but there are other opportunities that come and go. They might last a day or three days or sometimes a few weeks. We can all relate to the focus of staying on top of our bills and providing for our families.
I soon found out that this job didn't pay well, and for the time it took, it didn't seem worth it to keep it. There were so many papers and flyers to deliver that we needed our truck to carry them all. When I signed up for the route, I took on two routes because I knew at the beginning it didn't pay that well. I was soon overwhelmed and the only way I could get through it was to ask my children and wife to help me. I had to admit that I was in over my head and needed help. I was overburdened and weary.
In Matthew 11:28–30, we see interesting words from Jesus: "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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
It's interesting that earlier in this chapter, Jesus had mentioned that only those who had childlike faith could understand the things He was talking about. The people who thought they were wise, and many of the educated ones, could not understand what He was talking about because their stubbornness and pride were in the way.
Another interesting thing was that Jesus said this invitation was for those who were overwhelmed by life. Historically, the religious leaders of Jesus's day were guilty of weighing people down with heavy burdens of the law instead of having a focus of grace and mercy, which Jesus was bringing on the scene at that time. This was new to everyone because many people didn't believe, and still don't believe, that Jesus is God's Son and brings salvation and rest for our souls.
When Jesus referred to these burdens and heavy yoke, he was also referring to an oxen or other beast that would pull heavy carts and plow fields. The animal would have a yoke across its neck so the cart or plow could be hooked up to it.
Verse 25 says, "At that time Jesus said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.'"
This invitation was for those who would come to Jesus like a little child and trust Jesus with whatever was weighing them down.
Jesus wanted the people to know that He was not like the religious leaders of the day. He was God's Son. He was gentle and humble in heart. Following Jesus didn't mean that they were free of responsibility, but as they walked with Him, His yoke was light and easy. His yoke of discipleship was very manageable. When a person came to Jesus with the faith of a child that meant they didn't doubt Jesus' ability to give this rest. When a little child comes to their parents and wants to get picked up, because they are tired, the parent usually either picks them up, or puts them in their stroller. The child receives the rest they were so desperately looking for.
What is burdening you today? What is overwhelming you? What is troubling your heart? Bring it to Jesus and let Him give your soul the rest it needs. Your physical heart needs a combination of activity and rest to stay healthy. Being a disciple of Jesus will require work, but it's work that is restful and peaceful, if it's done through the yoke of Jesus. Come to Him and receive this rest that will keep your heart and soul healthy.
When I was overwhelmed with the paper route, I had to swallow my pride and ask for help and admit I was over my head. Then it was easier to deal with and get through. Come to Jesus and give Him your burdens. You won't regret it.
Parry Stelter is a Bible teacher, author and speaker. He is founder of Word of Hope Ministries. If you
are interested in having Parry do a workshop on dealing with grief, loss and trauma, you can contact him at parry@ wordofhopeministries.ca.
