Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the eleventh of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

Pastor Ron Drury, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force, wrote this week’s meditation.

Scripture

Jesus said, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28–30, Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Meditation

Praying that whenever and wherever you read this, that you will be able to recognize Jesus reaching out to you with the “yoke of community in Christ”! I had hoped to send this earlier today, but was called to the hospital to serve by Jesus’s side in visiting with one of our members, with whom I shared this Psalm excerpt. I planned to share it here with you anyway…and now I will:

You are merciful, LORD!
You are kind and patient and always loving.
You are good to everyone,
and you take care of all your creation!” —Psalm 145:8–9, CEV

Our “sibling in the Savior” shared that these words eased his burden and calmed his anxious heart. This child of GOD went on to give a variety of ways in which numerous family, friends, and hospital staff lightened the load they were bearing. This person no longer felt pressed under by the weight of trying to take care of everything by themselves and no longer felt alone.

Earlier this week one of our council members visited with me and asked if there were any ways they might possibly help me serve. The hearing of the offer was music to my ears and the weight on my shoulders felt a little less. Jesus’s invitation in Matthew 11 is for us to join in one with another so that the yoke might be shared with our siblings. This yoke not only connects us with all who follow Jesus, but in our yoking up we learn from the Master! O Rabbi Jesus, let us ever walk side by side with you as we serve faithfully!

Prayer

Empower us through your Holy Spirit to join together with each other to carry the light, rest-filled yoke of Jesus, guided by God’s grace! Amen.