His yoke is easy, His burden is light

I forget things at times. Ask Jessica and she will tell you I forget much more than I even know (go figure that.) As I was washing every food-caked-dish we own last night, I was jamming out to Caedmon's call. A song (Your love oh Lord) played, and it inspired me to remember what I all too often forget: just how easy the yoke of Jesus is, how light is his burden.

This thought comes on the heels of writing back and forth with someone of a different faith. She wrote:

"the most important aspect of any religion is the concept of SALVATION. this verse, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness" (Romans 4:5) how can ur faith be reckoned as righteousness when you show no good works? there is a reason why we Muslims follow the teachings of Jesus and Muhammed (peace be upon them both)....it is to ACHIEVE salvation as God has ordained for us." (emphasis hers)

What a different view, always looking for a way to earn what is actually a free gift. What a heavy burden to bear. Of course, this passage is not saying that the one saved will show no works. The idea being expressed is "But to the one who does not work [to earn his salvation], but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly [for his salvation], his faith [in Christ's work on his behalf] is reckoned as righteousness." Though not exhaustive, that is the context of the passage. Jesus plain teaching, as with the rest of Scripture, is that salvation can only be received by faith because our works are not good enough.

He says "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."(Matt. 11:29-30) Throughout history, people have sought salvation by works. But, the Bible teaches that they ALL fail at such an attempt. Christians believe that (and the Bible teaches that) the good works necessary for anyone to be saved were performed by Jesus Christ, and credited to our account for anyone who has faith. The works we do now are no longer as a bond servant, forever trying to pay off a debt that grows exponentially every day. No, the works we do now are as sons of God, out of love for our Father. The grace of God so radically changes those who have been redeemed that we long to do what God says, simply because he asks. Because we love Him. Because He loved us first.

Lamentations 3:22-23

"22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.