2026 Pentecost Devotions II
Monday, September 7
Labor Day
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“… 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. …”
Work is something that all of engage in throughout our lives. It may be hard and laborious, requiring strength and agility. It may be less physically taxing and more mentally challenging. It may be enjoyable and fulfilling or it may be difficult and draining. In some way, work is part of our lives, typically from an early age.
When Jesus calls us to take his yoke upon ourselves, we may bristle at the thought. After all, we all know where Jesus’ labor led – to the cross. His burden seems overwhelmingly heavy, filled with pain and sorrow, and ultimately leading to death. Who wants to take that yoke upon themselves?
But here Jesus gives us another image. Rather than hard labor, Jesus teaches us the ways of gentleness and humility. He reminds us that while the yoke he carries may seem burdensome, it is instead easy and light. That is because the work we are called to learn from the Lord is the labor of grace. Humility, gentleness, hopefulness, helpfulness, and peace are the ways of Jesus; and they are the work to which we have been called by our Lord.
Yes, work is something we all engage in during our lives. Some is strenuous and some is light. However, the greatest labor we can accomplish is taking on Jesus’ yoke – bearing humility, gentleness, and peace. This is the true work to which each of us is called this Labor Day.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of labor. Help me to see Your work in my labors and remind me that You have called me to bear the yoke of humility, gentleness, and peace. Amen.