An Easy Yoke & A Light Burden
I came across this great quotation today; a comment by Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Matthew 11:28-30
Only the person who folllows the command of Jesus without reserve and submits unresistingly to his yoke, finds his burden easy, and under its gentle pressure receives the power to persevere in the right way. The command of Jesus is hard, ununtterably hard, for those who try to resist it. But for those who willingly submit, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
I have found in my own life that I make things so much harder for mysel if I foolishly try to resist God. And it is sad to see how many Christians live a a hard life because they resist God and never learn that in the fullness of life Jesus gives us, the yoke is easy. The Christian life is radical in its demands but it is not meant to be a heavy, burdensome toil! If that’s how it is for you, you’re doing it wrong!!
And this is no empty triumphalism of the smooth preacher. Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who chose to stay in Nazi Germany (when he could easily have got out) and be part of the resistance movement. He was hanged at the personal orders of Himmler, a month before the end of the War, for his part in the plot against Hitler. His was no easy life and yet he had learned the truth of an easy yoke and a light burden.
September 28th, 2005 @ 3:04 pm
The quote reminds me that once we have known Christ we are spoilt for anything else. What choice do we have but to determine to walk with him? I have at times been so cross with Him for making it so difficult to walk away.
I love the Eugene Peterson rendering of the Matthew,
Are you tired, worn out, burned out on religion?
Come to me … I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or il-fitting onyou. keep company with me and you’ll learn to live lightly and freely.
September 28th, 2005 @ 8:13 pm
Bonhoeffer was preaching on Isaiah 53 to a group of people when the Nazis came in to take him away.
That made me cry when I read that.
The yoke is so smooth and easy to the fit. Jesus crafted it and we are at our very best when we’re snug to the yoke.
Oh what powerful works we can work when the Almighty has hold of the reins.
Joe…
September 28th, 2005 @ 9:45 pm
Thanks for that information on Bonhoeffer, Joe. I didn’t know that. Incredibly significant and moving!
I love the Peterson version as well, Kim. I like that phrase ‘the unforced rhythms of grace.’
September 29th, 2005 @ 10:03 pm
‘The Lion Book of Christian Thought’
Covenant College compulsory reading!!
Joe…