“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.” (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus said, “I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). When He spoke those words, the religious leaders of His day were plotting His death, the society in which He lived was controlled by the might of Rome, and His followers were common people. Humanly speaking, what He promised was audacious, and the possibilities of it happening were zero. Nevertheless, it came to pass. Two thousand years later, He is the most quoted author in the world, and many of our values are based on the principles He taught. How did He do it? By mentoring others, being aware of others around you, in your church congregation, neighbors, your own household.
St. Paul describes a portion of our discipleship in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.”
So, when looking for a mentor, try to find someone who exemplifies the qualities and character Jesus displayed. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus used an agricultural illustration His listeners would understand. To get the highest productivity out of an ox, the yoke around its neck had to be a comfortable fit. And a good mentor is someone who understands you and knows what is the right fit for your temperament and talents. A mentor is an extra pair of eyes and ears, who always has your best interests at heart. When you think about it, having the right mentor is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the blessings of this day. In the same way You watch over me and guide me, let me also watch over and guide those around me who want the peace and mercy that You provide through Your Son, Jesus.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
