“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.” Matthew 11:29 

In the 1934 World Series between the Cardinals and Tigers, Dizzy and Paul Dean (featured in the picture with Babe Ruth) combined to pitch in 5 of the 7 games, each working on short rest. In the 1946 Series, Harry Brecheen pitched in 3 of the 7 games, working on short rest. In 1964, 1967 and 1968, Bob Gibson pitched 3 of the 7 games. More recently, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks together pitched in 5 of the 7 games against the Yankees in 2001. Many of these times the results were positive, but not always.

Do you get physically tired working on or off the field of competition? God has a purpose for rest. In Exodus 20:11 (the fourth commandment), He set apart one day a week for it. It is a practical admonition written for our own good. Professional baseball does well to have off days in the schedule.

Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains a rest for the people of God,” implying that while we’re here on earth, we ought to be working on His behalf. Psalm 37:4 says “…rest in the LORD…” implying that whatever we’re doing, we can’t do it on our own strength.

Do you get spiritually tired also? In the opening verse, the Greek word for “yoke” is “zygote,” which means “a coupling.” There’s no such thing as a one-person yoke. So, whether it is physical or spiritual labor, “team up” with Jesus and rely on His strength. Your body will thank you, and so will your soul.

By Stanley Tucker 

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