Matthew 23:1-4 "Then spake JESUS to the multitude, and to HIS disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
In these increasingly difficult days, many are crying out for help in order to manage their stress and prevent "burnout." How is the Christian to handle these matters, and where can he turn for help ? Is any solution acceptable ? Since so many endeavors to find relief have already failed mankind, should believers conclude that "anything is worth a try?" Several heathen religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism are experiencing a renaissance, and many hurting, burdened people are trying them out and being deceived into following their false teachings that have never been able to produce lasting peace and satisfaction for their followers. Many often are turning to the New Age movement in which both ancient and modern heresies are mixed together for one to sample. Positive thought and meditative techniques may help to alleviate one's problems temporarily, but the relief will always be short-lived.
All of the above "solutions" are deadly potions that may seem sweet to the taste at first but are, in the end, poisonous for all who imbibe. JESUS CHRIST warned of the religious leaders of HIS day whose teachings contradicted their practices (vv.1-3). They hypocritically required their followers to strictly adhere to the Law, although they themselves could not meet its demands (v.4). JESUS offered a solution, however, to the heavy burden of trying to keep the Law. CHRIST promised rest if they would merely exchange the Law's grievous yoke for HIS easy yoke and light burden (Matthew 11:28-30 pictured at top of post). Oh you who are heavy laden, take the LORD JESUS CHRIST at HIS WORD and trust HIM to ease your burdens and rejoice the soul. HE will give rest to all who believe on HIM !
In contrast to the heavy burdens placed upon the shoulders of those who follow false religions, all who follow CHRIST find that HIS "yoke is easy" and HIS "burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). Yet, sad to say, even believers sometimes look to worldly philosophies and programs for guidance rather than looking to CHRIST. All who do so will soon discover that such an unequal yoke, while it may seem to provide temporary relief, will eventually increase the weight of the burden because it is, in reality, a yoke of satanic deception. What sensible Christian would try to continue carrying his own burden and reject the blessed invitation given in Psalm 55:22 (pictured above) to "cast thy burden upon the LORD, and HE shall sustain thee" ? Tragically, many believers continue to walk by sight, clutching their trials and burdens when GOD could be bearing them instead.
Satan often robs believers of the blessings and joys GOD has provided for them by filling their minds with fear and contempt for the hardships and supposed "restrictions" that CHRIST's followers are called upon to bear. However, our LORD never misleads us. HE makes it clear that we will indeed pay a price for following HIM and obeying HIS WORD (2nd.Timothy 3:12 pictured above), but HE also promises that the rewards will far outweigh the sufferings. We must never forget the blessed truths found in 2nd.Corinthians 4:17-18 (pictured above). Walking by faith helps us to recognize and value the things that are eternal rather than temporal. It enables us to understand that our "light affliction" is momentary in contrast to the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" that lies ahead. May GOD help us to learn afresh the glorious truth that CHRIST's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light ! MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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