28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
I have heard about “yokes” only because of sermons. This is not a tool that I have ever used or seen used. Jesus spoke in parables and metaphors to the people of the time, and those listening would have understood what a yoke was and how it was used. It would have painted a picture in their mind and helped them understand what Jesus was offering.
I have heard two purposes of a yoke explained. The first as a training tool, where an experienced ox would be attached to a young ox. The elder could show the younger how to walk, turn, pull, and stop when necessary. The second was a way to share the burden of work as they pulled a plow. It sounds like Jesus meant both in Matthew 11.
He was offering them something and the offer still stands for us.
There’s no destination where Jesus waits till we finally show up. We don’t have to clean ourselves up before we step into this partnership. It’s as easy as speaking His name. He says yes to anyone who truly wants a relationship, and He gives amazing gifts like grace, forgiveness, and the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He takes the sin that has been crushing us, broken relationships, and shame, then He sends the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us 24/7.
He not only leads us and protects us, but He also becomes our friend. This friendship takes time to develop and means having daily conversations! We can learn all about Him by reading the Bible and listening to those who know Him well, but we need our own personal relationship with Him too.
This is what being yoked to Jesus means to me. I’m learning. Jesus has literally placed His yoke on my spiritual shoulders. I learn how to walk by reading the Word and fellowshipping with Jesus. I share all my burdens and I do as He says. He knows what is next, so I listen closely and try to obey.
When I take a wrong step, I feel a pull from that connection. He never lets me get to far without sending out a warning! Since we walk together our shoulders touch and He surprises me often by how close He is. There is work, but somehow, He takes most of the weight. We don’t sit still too often, and we don’t work too long.
The truth of the matter is that we are all yoked to something. We all serve someone or something. None of us is our own master because we were designed to serve. The burden that Jesus puts on us is light. The burden of sin and shame is heavy.
Jesus, I’m tired of carrying the weight of all my mistakes and the weight of my life and trying to make every decision perfectly. I’m not always sure how to live life, and there are so many offers on the table for where to devote myself. I heard You have better for me than anyone else. Please help me, and teach me, and draw me near to You.
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One response to “My Yoke is Easy, and My Burden Light”
Amen! Love the prayer at the end and will be using it in my walk with God as well!