Heavy Burdens Made Light

What a heavy burden God has laid on men! (Ecclesiastes 1:13,NIV 1984).

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” (Matthew 11:28–30, NIV 1984).

No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. (Romans 3:20, NIV 1984).

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:26–27, NIV 1984).

My Musings – So what’s the deal? Has God laid a heavy burden on man, or is the burden light? The answer is yes to both.

Heavy Burden – If we take the yoke of the law on ourselves, the burden is heavy. Too heavy, for “no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.” Because the law must be obeyed fully. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:9–10, NIV 1984). So, like the disciples we might be tempted to say ““Who then can be saved?” It’s simply impossible. Yes it is.

Burden Is Light – Then again, no it is not. If we take Jesus’ yoke upon us. Because “now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.(Romans 3:21–22, NIV 1984). Jesus, on our behalf, fulfilled all that the law required. Every “jot and tittle.” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter [jot], not the least stroke of a pen [tittle], will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17–18, NIV 1984).

My Advice – With man, it is impossible. The burden is too heavy when “laid (yoked) on men.” With God, all things are possible. If we take Jesus yoke upon us “through faith in Jesus Christ.” Who can be saved by their own efforts (“observing the law”)? “No one.” Who can be saved through the efforts of Jesus Christ? “All who believe.” If you have not already done so, place your faith in Him.