My Yoke is Easy!

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:25-30  

The yoke is a common symbol of submission and servitude. It is a heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulder of an ox or a pair of oxen.  

Jesus 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)  

'Rest' and 'yoke' do not go together!   

Strangely, Jesus is saying that we will find rest for our souls if we take His yoke upon us! He is not talking about physical rest but rest for our souls!  

Let us suppose that I am carrying something heavy along with my son, a young man. Would he let me take the full weight?   No, never. He would try to carry most of the weight.   He is not only stronger than I am, but because he loves me, he would never allow me to buckle under the heavy load!   

It is the same with God! When we are yoked with Christ, He will carry our burden just as He promised! What an amazing thought!    

When we are yoked with Christ, we have to walk with Him on the path He has prepared for us. While God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us, He does not have the same plan and purpose for everyone. I cannot run in your track, and you cannot run in mine. I cannot live your life, and you cannot live mine.   

The moment we start looking at others, our yoke becomes heavy. Our grumbling makes our journey longer and harder! When we accept our situation and our lot in life, our yoke becomes light! God knows that the cares of this world can choke us.  

When we trust God, He gives us the courage to face life with all its challenges. It is the same way, same path, same life situations, but they become easier if we follow Him.  Jesus has promised to guide us with His eyes. He says we will hear His voice saying,  "Walk this way."  

My friend, accepting God's plan for our lives is very important because it frees us to be what God wants us to be. Let us take up His yoke today, for God has promised He will give rest to our souls!  

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me take You at Your word and take up Your yoke! Lord, I pray, that Your promised rest will cover my soul. Amen.