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July 17, 2014

Coffee break with Jesus: I am very fond of the title for this passage from Matthew, “The Gentle Mastery of Christ.” It captures the very essence of how I regard my Lord for he knows you and me. He takes the initiative to seek us and reveal himself to us. He waits for us. He understands us. He always invites you and me to have coffee breaks with him. This is the message that enfolds in the Gospel today – “Come, my dear friend, let’s have coffee.” Although coffee is just the excuse for the break, it is the break that allows us to pause from our being overwhelmed by the pressures of work and the problems of daily living. What makes me love coffee breaks is the notion that I am in the company of a loved one or a friend as I choose to step out from my frenzy and hectic routine or worse from an experience of hurt and burden. Prayer time can be our YES to Jesus’ invitation to have a break. We know that we cope better with all the worries and problems of life whenever we choose to spend time with him. Over “cups of coffee”, we talk about solutions and strategies. But more than these, the mere presence of our dear Friend journeying with us and telling us that, “My yoke is easy and my burden light,” comforts and consoles and brings peace and yes, salvation. Let us enjoy and look forward to our “coffee breaks” with our Lord because he always treats us to “unlimited coffee” – “the coffee” of hope, peace and love.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Thursday, July 17, 2014 >>

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
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Psalm 102:13-21

Matthew 11:28-30
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UNEQUALLY YOKED?

"Take My yoke upon your shoulders." —Matthew 11:29

A yoke is a strong wooden beam with curved wooden circles that fit over the necks of two oxen so they will pull a plow in the same direction. We are yoked with Jesus, willingly or unwillingly. When we refuse to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, we decide that we will go in a different direction than that which Jesus knows is best for our lives and His kingdom.

There's not much of a future in pulling against Jesus, for He is God (Jn 1:1), "I Am Who Am" (Ex 3:14). We find Jesus to be a literal "pain in the neck." We become "stiff-necked people" (Ex 33:3), bitter, frustrated, and perpetually angry with God.

When we decide to walk where Jesus walks, our necks no longer hurt. We no longer pull against Jesus; instead, we let it be done to us (Lk 1:38) as He shoulders our load, doing most of the work Himself. In addition, Jesus is gentle (Mt 11:29) and considerate. He gives us rest (Mt 11:29). He leads us beside restful waters and makes us lie down (Ps 23:2-3). He will take us to Calvary and pull us through the cross to risen life. When we pull with Jesus, we are working for Him, and His justice compels Him to be sure that we are nourished and sustained well (cf 1 Tm 5:18; 1 Cor 9:7-10).

When we are bound to Jesus' yoke, we may seem like slaves in the eyes of the world. However, a slave yoked to Jesus is truly free (Jn 8:36). His "yoke is easy" (Mt 11:30). "Submit your necks to the yoke of" Jesus (see Jer 27:12). Accept Jesus as Lord of your life.

Prayer: Jesus, beginning today, I'll stick my neck out for You every day of the rest of my life. I am all Yours.

Promise: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you." —Mt 11:28

Praise: Obeying the Lord in regard to fasting, Carol saw a new outpouring of the Spirit in her life.