One of life's hardest things is being disconnected, going it alone, feeling cut off.
In worship this past weekend (click for the sermon) we had a beautiful image before us, as Jesus said: "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." This is a picture of Jesus beside us, connected to us, our yoke mate, pulling our loads with us, showing us the way, bearing our burdens.
And in him being connected to us, that connects us to each other. As a people yoked together, when we share our joys, they are doubled and when we share each other burdens, they are cut in half. It's a wonderful, life-giving thing to be yoked together, with Jesus and each other.
Not all "yokings" are like that. Some things we get "yoked too" can weigh us down, add to our burdens, be a destructive force in our lives. When that happens, we need to hear Jesus' words again, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you..."
That's what we do as we gather to worship, or gather for Bible study, such as a new women's Bible study "Restless: Because You Were Made for More", starting tonight (Monday July 7 in the Quiet Room off of the narthex, from 6:30-8pm.) We nurture that relationship with Jesus and each other, as fellow yoke mates. What a freeing, wonderful gift that is!
The parable we hear this coming Sunday likens the word of God to seed that Christ sows into the field that we are. Come to worship, to receive the seed of the word, and at the table, to be nourished for a fruitful life.
See you in church! Pastor Jack Diehl +
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