Moving house. I never really anticipated how challenging it would be for us. But a week later I’m feeling it. I’m suffering from adrenal fatigue. The human body has two tiny adrenal glands that sit essentially above our kidneys and control hormone production. One of their primary functions is to release stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), but only when we perceive danger or stress.
Here’s the problem, if you’re anything like me you live such a busy lifestyle that your adrenals are often working overtime. This of course has a negative effect on our physical health; but I’m also noticing spiritual health.
Medical professionals suggest that there are some simple ways we can help care for our adrenal glands so that they support the normal functioning of our bodies. Jesus also offers us some advice that I’ve been thinking about more over the last several days especially. You’ve heard it before – Jesus says “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29b.
Gary
Gary: While Matt 11:28-29's emphasis is primarily spiritual in nature (God's peace which results from being in right relationship with him), these verses certainly have practical application in our daily lives.
ReplyDeleteQUESTION: How does the idea of "taking (God's)yoke upon oneself ... for (His) yoke is easy & (His) burden is light" result in less rather than more stress since "yoke" & "burden" are normally associated with unpleasant & onerous responsibilities?
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteThanks for interacting with this post. The "rest" for the soul spoken of in this passage most definitely refers to the spiritual sense that you describe but the Greek also uses a word for soul here that conveys the idea of life/mind. In Hebrew thought the physical and spiritual aspects of our existence weren't as easily separated as we tend to do. Jesus is speaking about finding rest/relief for our entire beings by coming to Him. I have sensed a strain really at both levels lately.
In any case, here's a brief answer to your question. I wouldn't say that taking God's yoke on involves less stress from a human perpective necessarily especially early on because the flesh will always resist doing the things that Jesus does/making His priorities, our priorities. The Christian life is never "easy" in our sense of the word.
The NIV translation is not that helpful here because the word "easy" to describe His yoke is better rendered "useful, good, and kindly." When we follow Christ, we are yoked to Him. Jesus has the yoke that is tailor-made for our lives and needs. The burden of doing His will/following Him is not a heavy one only because He designed them not to be unnecessarily burdensome in contrast to the laws of the Pharisees (1 John 5:3).
I think it should be noted that Jesus says we are to "learn" this. As we yield to Christ's reign in our lives on a daily basis it would seem that our yoke does become lighter. Because our lives become more empowered, unified and simplified around walking side by side with Him. It follows then that not yielding is at the root of many of our (my) problems (were you trying to help me see that?) So in that sense you are right in that taking God's yoke can result in less stress and more joy. Also, Jesus does describe himself in this passage as gentle and humble in heart. He has His best in mind for us and is not interested in tying a rope around our necks like the Pharisees.
Those are my thoughts. I'd love to chat more with you about this over coffee some time ;)
Your reply, which expands on your initial musings, is much more meaningful and therefore, satisfying because it anticipates & addresses the question lying latent in the passage. Thank you!
ReplyDelete"Useful, good & kindly" are indeed much better renderings for understanding the intent of these verses. I would also agree that the peace of God which Christ promises to those who are drawn to follow him is not entirely a one-sided bestowment on God's part - in his sovereign provision, there is the expectation of an element of human responsibility where such "peace" (spiritual & practical) is concerned. Real work is involved - one "common grace" expression of this (from the secular Tao de Ching) is: "In the pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added. In the practice of the (Way), every day something is dropped."
To be a Christ follower entails the unlearning & retraining of one's mind & will - which, while not an easy or ending task, results in the deep "peace" of God "which transcends all understanding (so as to) guard your hearts and your minds." (Phil 4:7) And doesn't stress primarily originate within one's mind (rational self) before it is given bodily expression(as physical and/or psychosomatic illness)? The Scriptures have it right. To trust the statements of God involves practical obedience that sees this "yoke" & "burden" as "useful, good & kindly", and which experience proves to be true.
These be my addendum thoughts ... coffee sounds good ;-)