Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, February 17, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
We are often our own worst enemies. When I was growing up, my father frequently had to say to me, “Rebekah, your standards for yourself are too high.” Neither he nor anyone else expected me to be perfect academically or in any other arena. I heard the words (heck, I remember them to this day) but they never made it into whatever part of my brain might let me off the hook for my mistakes. I can’t imagine having to live up to the 600+ laws of Moses along with the cultural demands of Jesus’ particular context. Then throw in the subjugation to Rome and the corruption at every level of life, and is it any wonder so many who flocked to Jesus were weary and carrying heavy burdens? Then again, I (and so many of us) continue to create standards for myself that are impossible to live up to; rules I can’t follow; goals of perfection I can’t attain.
Jesus promises rest. He promises a gentler way. He will teach what really matters—perhaps cut right through to that place in my brain that clings to self-condemnation and replace it with his grace. All I have to do is carry everything to him.
What do I need to turn over to Jesus today so that I can rest?
