The Yoke
I was reading a devotion earlier this week and the “yoke” stood out for me. Just because we read the scripture does not mean we always understand the word or want a visual of what the word is saying. I am that visual person.
I read Matthew 11:28-30, which says,
28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
In this text I knew it was Jesus talking but got to wondering what the word “yoke” really means. Remember, I am visual. It’s okay to not know what something is no matter how old you are that is why we study. So, I googled the word yoke and the webster dictionary gave me this definition…..
a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull.
Okay, so now I am looking at images of the yoke to help me better understand this scripture. I see two animals connected next to each other by a wooden beam which purpose is to pull together to lessen the load.
That is a symbolism of what Jesus was saying in this scripture and that was to take his yoke for all who is burdened. The works that you do for Christ might seem hard and tiring but remember that what you do for Christ will last and he wants your all.
You got problems that’s hindering you from doing the work of God
People at the church not who they say they are (But Who are you?)
Got fired from your job (how can you move forward)
Your kids not acting right (How can I be guided by God to handle this)
Your husband/wife not acting right (Does God require more of my time)
Suicide thoughts (How do I live in a world full of hate or preventing me from doing positive things)
Whatever the problem maybe, we have to decrease the burden with the yoke because Jesus is right next to us to help us through it all. We have to take all of our worries and problems to Jesus himself so that he can lighten the load. That’s why he said that my yoke is easy, and my burden is light because he carried the burden that we were meant to carry on the cross. He died for all of us.
He wants us to learn from him because he is that example of how we want to be.
We all have problems! We all have some type of issues but just know the heavy burdens you carry are light weight when walking with Jesus. Know that he is your source of strength and will remain your source of strength. Know your purpose! Know your passion!
I encourage you to take up the yoke of Jesus and allow him in to be your guide in life and how to deal with life. We are his followers.
May God bless and keep you and may his light continually shine bright on you daily.
