August 29, 2017

Take My Yoke

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  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.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Mt. 11:28-30

Yoked is an ancient Biblical principle that dates back to the Old Testament.  Israel was yoked to the law and the law was not a light yoke, but a heavy one.  The requirements of the law consistently pointed out the sin of the people and the need for atonement.

Jesus turned that idea upside down, like He did with so many Old Testament precepts.  He desired that people still be yoked, but now the yoke was no longer to the law, but to Him.  All those who were struggling and suffering, the weary and burdened, could stunningly and simply come to Jesus.  When they came to Him, Jesus would give them rest.  He would offer His yoke, one that was easy.  His burden was light.  It was a complete exchange.

Friends, this is the offer that is available to us.  If we find ourselves exhausted from the fast pace of daily living, the workload and responsibilities, the endless series of to-do lists, there is good news.  We can come to Jesus, carrying all that stuff.  He gives us rest a yoke, and a burden.  He takes all the heavy burdens we carry and gives us instead what he has to offer.  There is then easiness and a lightness replacing heaviness and gloominess.

We can learn from Jesus.  We can learn from His gentle approach to us and His humility in dealing with us.  Our Lord doesn’t force things upon us, least not His yoke.  He offers it with kindness and goodness and love.  It is up to us to accept His offer.  When we do, we will find rest for our souls.