My Yoke

Mt. 11:29-30

"Come to me, all 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."

Jesus gently extends an invitation to those who labor and are heavy laden. In the context, it refers to those who are under the heavy burden of legalism and works imposed by the Pharisees, but it could extend farther to include any overwhelming burdens. In contrast to organized religion and the godless world, Jesus offers rest, a rest that cancels the burdens that bind so tightly. His rest is the solution that works because it is not a stricter code of behavior or increased pleasures, possessions, or position, but instead it is rest for the soul, for the deepest needs in the heart of people. 

How does this come about? What is the process? First any person must come admitting their needy condition. The poor in spirit find blessing here, the blessing of new life of rest. Secondly, the old yoke of legalism or sinful oppression is traded in for Jesus' yoke. A decision must be made. His yoke of discipleship is one of learning from Him, the One who is gentle and lowly in heart. In contrast, what kind of teachers were the Pharisees? They were proud, self-righteous task masters who considered themselves better than the people they oppressed. Their rules were harsh and demanding exacting whatever they could from people who had little to give. But Jesus' taught by example. To be yoked to the One who was gentle and lowly in heart meant that the journey would be restful. Thirdly, a learning attitude must characterize the journey. Those who take the yoke must learn of Him because He is their new life. What He is, they become! Finally, the easy yoke produces a light burden. Why? Easy and light are the result when the yoke is shared. Jesus doesn't ask those who come to carry the burden alone. Instead He yokes Himself to those He calls. Together they make the journey.    

What a glorious promise and offer! Yet, many cling to legalism, the oppression of man-made religious rules, or to this world's system of opportunities and pleasures. Why is the hold of these things so strong? Perhaps, because it calls out man's most powerful addiction--SELF. Man believes he can do it no matter what it is. He is the master of his own destiny, even though that destiny stinks! But to be yoked to Jesus means self must be crucified. Self no longer calls the shots. The yoke of Jesus, though gentle and easy, is in control. It doesn't seem to matter for many that the end result is rest as opposed to strife. What matters is who is in control!

Father,

Thank You for giving me Your yoke. Keep my heart calm and restful and as I learn of You. Thank You for exposing the foolishness of myself.

In Jesus name,

Amen