Free to Follow

Free to Follow

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 (V.29)

Matthew 11:25-30

Reading

My school cross-country teacher once told me before a race, “Don’t try to be in the lead. The leaders almost always burn out too quickly.” Instead, he suggested I stay close behind the fastest runners. By letting them set the pace, I could save the mental and physical strength I’d need to finish the race well. 

Leading can be tiring; following can be freeing. Knowing this helped my running, but it took me a lot longer to realise it could make a big difference to my Christian life. I often thought living for Jesus meant trying really hard. But by rushing around trying to be really ‘good’, I was missing the peace and freedom found in simply following Him (JOHN 8:32,36). 

We’re not meant to direct our own lives; and Jesus didn’t come to earth to start a world-wide self-help class! Instead, He promised that we will find the rest we want by simply knowing Him for ourselves (MATT. 11:25-28). Unlike the religious leaders’ way of following rules and knowing the Bible off by heart, Jesus taught that it’s simply through coming to Him that we can know God (V.27). With Him, we find our heavy problems and issues lifted (VV.28-30) and our lives completely changed. 

Because following Him, our gentle and kind leader (V.29), gives us direction and meaning, we no longer have to find those things on our own. Resting in His love, we are free. MB

What I’m thankful for . . .

Jesus, I’m so thankful that I don’t have to be in charge of my own life. Help me find rest in You.

TRUE FREEDOM IS FOUND IN FOLLOWING JESUS.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries