August 5, 2009

The three cookie ant

This little guy is impressive! Gram for gram he makes Mr. "I'll be back" look like a 97 pound weakling. I have no idea how it is possible for someone so small to carry something so big, but just look at him! People are like ants; we all have capabilities, some of us can naturally carry more than others. This applies not only to strength, but to responsibility and emotional stability as well. How about Spiritual matters? The Jews had rules, and more rules and rules on top of their rules to protect their rules (called a hedge around the law). Jesus came with a renewed vision of Grace and suddenly living was easier.
Matt 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 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.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."WEB
Why would the above verses be true? The answer is found behind the reason why we listen to God in the first place. If we follow an arbitrary rule, it is a conceptual thing, but if we do what we do based on a relationship, well, that is an entirely different matter. Have you ever noticed that if you really love someone, whatever you do for them doesn't seem to be burdensome or overbearing? Jesus came to usher in a new way to obey God... love! With love, God's ways are easy and with much love, easier still. What's next? A four cookie ant?