Why do people resist letting Jesus into their heart? Do they think their life must be cleaned up first? Not always-but they may notice that their lives do get better after being saved. Are they afraid to tell God what they’ve done in the past? Spoiler alert: He already knows, just like He knows the secrets of your heart (Psalm 44:21).
Our pastor once told a story: If you were offered a two week all-expense paid trip to Hawaii, would you take it? Almost everyone would. What about an all-expense paid eternal trip to heaven? In my experience, not everyone says yes. Why don’t more people accept that gift worth so much more? Do they think their lives are better without Jesus, perhaps He is too demanding, or perhaps they will need to give up something they like doing?
Spoiler alert: I was caught in this trap myself. After being saved in my teens, I thought that all I needed to do was go to church and read the Bible occasionally. I could continue living my life, working hard and building a family. But I had actually detached my Christian life from my earthly life. I put God in a box and pulled Him out when needed. Thankfully the Holy Spirit convicted me, and I changed my life.
Consider Jesus and His yoke in Matthew 11:28-30. He asks us to come to Him, take His yoke, and learn from Him, and then we will find rest. He says He is gentle and humble in heart (v 29), not harsh and demanding. Who would turn that away? What does this passage actually mean? First, Jesus is inviting us to take a step and receive salvation. He is our Messiah and has saved us. Notice that he calls only those who are weary and heavy-laden. I think that really includes everyone. When we take His yoke and learn from Him, we will find rest! So many people think that following God will limit them and make their lives worse. How untrue! He even adds in verse 30 that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Jesus was comparing His teaching with the teaching of the scribes. The Jewish teaching and laws were much more demanding. Jesus never lied – trust Him and take His yoke.
Twice in this short passage Jesus promises us rest – if we come to Him, take His yoke, and learn from Him. Spoiler alert: quit resisting and come to Him in full measure – He promises us eternal life.
God is love. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run (1 Corinthians 13:13 TPT). Jesus is Lord.
References:
- Jeremiah 6:16 – You will find rest for your souls, quoted by Jesus in v 29
- John 7:37 – If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me (Jesus) and drink