Freedom in Surrender

In one of Jesus’ more memorable statements He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

There’s not a single person alive who wouldn’t argue that they’re already carrying more than they can handle, so why should they carry anything more, no matter how light and easy it may be. But that’s misunderstanding what Jesus is saying.

Jesus isn’t saying to take upon ourselves more, but rather He’s telling us to lay down what we already have, that is, to surrender to Him the heavy load of trying to do it all ourselves. And when we do, then He’ll give us not only a greater calling that won’t overburden us, but also a new-found freedom, and that’s because He’s the One who is now carrying the majority of the load.

It’s because of this that the Apostle Paul could say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

The freedom of surrender is the ability to lay at the foot of the cross, at the feet of Jesus the burden of self-sufficiency, the burden of always needing to do things our way.

It’s the freedom of choosing the way of Jesus over the way of self. It’s the freedom to choose to become a bondservant of Jesus Christ rather than be a slave of this world.

When someone is a slave they had no choice, whereas when a person who becomes a bondservant because they chose it because they loved the master and want to serve him for the rest of their lives.

Therefore, to serve God is to surrender self, and in the surrender there’s true freedom.