It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)
Jesus’ sole mission was to set us free. Free from meeting the demands of the religious law and those who burdened people with it but wouldn’t lift a finger to help them keep it (Matthew 23:4), and free from sin. And free us He did. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” Jesus told His hearers (John 8:36). You know that mission hasn’t changed. Jesus is still in the business of setting people free. The question is, are we living and walking in that freedom? So many of us end up carrying loads we weren’t meant to carry in the first place. All those times we chose to say “Yes” to demands and expectations while on the inside we were screaming “No.” The good news is it’s not too late to trade those heavy burdens for Jesus’ easy yoke. His invitation still stands, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30).
Rising with the Son 