The Yoke

I think of a yoke as a heavy load or a burden. AI says that “a yoke was primarily used to connect two draft animals (usually oxen) together in order to pull heavy loads.” 

     When I contemplate Matthew 11:29 (NIV), “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,” I can’t help but think of the yoke of my sin that Jesus took onto His shoulders at the cross.

     We all have yokes, like health issues, financial burdens, and laborious ones, but Jesus said, “take my yoke.” That means He will lighten the burden. 

     I suppose the paradox to that would the fact that we are a restless people, especially, if we don’t put God first and have Him in our lives. Without Him, we are seeking, searching, yearning, and creating heavy labor and burdens.

     We can, however, enjoy what labor we have. I, personally like to be busy. I enjoy my labor as long as it is not burdensome. One author I read used a phrase, “wear out rather than rust out.”  I do not believe I will wear out or rust out if I just rely on God. It is good to be yoked to God. He lightens my burdens. 

     I am so thankful Jesus took my yoke of sin, and He is still willing to lighten my load, give me His love and rest for my soul. 

 

Burden

When I first looked at today’s devotion about burdens, I immediately thought that, yes, I often have burdens, but am I a burden to God? If I am constantly keeping my eye on self and my problems, being a frequent whiner, then I may, indeed, see myself as a burden to God, although I know He still loves me.

     It was no co-incidence that God washed away all in the world with the flood in Noah’s day. The people had become so sinful and such a burden, God decided to make a clean sweep and start all over. 

     I do not want to be a cause of such worldly burdensome sin. God wants me to place my eyes on Him and others. By doing so, I lay my own burdens down and pick up thoughtfulness for the world around me. Philippians 2:4 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” NLT 

     If I recognize that the world does not revolve around me and first, seek God and others, I will be less a burden for God. 

 

So how do I unburden myself: 

 

U nderstand life does not revolve around me

N uture relationships

B ecome more like Jesus

U nselfish behavior

R emember to seek God and others first

D o for others

E njoy life and the companionship of others 

N otice and name my blessings from God