Part Two — Elijah, Move On
God had provided rest and refreshment for Elijah. He was ready to hear God's voice once again, and the Lord sent him into the mountains for a private consultation (1 Kings 19:11).
Elijah had felt totally alone. God, having provided for his physical and emotional needs, was now about to provide for Elijah someone who could help him carry the burden of ministry.
How reminiscent of what follows yesterday's key verse from Matthew 11. First of all, Jesus comes alongside and says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (11:28). Then He promises to partner with us to carry the burden He assigns to us. He says: "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 11:29, 30.
A "yoke" is a wooden crosspiece that unites two animals so that they can better pull together. In our spiritual yoking with Christ, it isn't hard to imagine who is bearing the greater part of the burden. The Lord intimates that He does, when He describes our part as "easy" and "light."
Elijah had been going in his own strength, a strength that eventually failed. Only when we allow the Lord to restore us, to assign us the task, and to allow Him to carry the greater share of the burden, can we be continual bright lights for Him, rather that burnt out stubs.
Elijah had felt totally alone. God, having provided for his physical and emotional needs, was now about to provide for Elijah someone who could help him carry the burden of ministry.
How reminiscent of what follows yesterday's key verse from Matthew 11. First of all, Jesus comes alongside and says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (11:28). Then He promises to partner with us to carry the burden He assigns to us. He says: "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 11:29, 30.
A "yoke" is a wooden crosspiece that unites two animals so that they can better pull together. In our spiritual yoking with Christ, it isn't hard to imagine who is bearing the greater part of the burden. The Lord intimates that He does, when He describes our part as "easy" and "light."
Elijah had been going in his own strength, a strength that eventually failed. Only when we allow the Lord to restore us, to assign us the task, and to allow Him to carry the greater share of the burden, can we be continual bright lights for Him, rather that burnt out stubs.
It is incredible how much lighter are burdens are when we give them to Christ. Thanks for this wonderful reminder.
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