Matthew 11:29 KJV
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”
Comments: People who had given up on religion heard Jesus speak. People who were exhausted from trying to follow a vast list of rules and regulations—and failing miserably. ‘If you are tired of carrying heavy burdens, come to Me and I will give you peace,’ He urged them. “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 CEV)
The ‘yoke’ Jesus mentioned was a harness worn over the necks of two oxen to allow them to pull the plough in the same direction. One ox would be the leader and the other would be the follower in each team of oxen. There’s an essential lesson to be learned here, so don’t skip it. Jesus will take the lead, but you must stay in step with him in order to receive his blessing. He promises that his yoke will not suffocate you, that it will not be tiring or constraining, and that you will not chafe beneath it. In reality, if you truly want to be free, you must yoke yourself to Jesus by yielding your will to his.
But accepting Christ’s yoke for a while and then breaking away when things don’t go your way isn’t going to work. When you do this, the load becomes heavier, and you begin to feel exhausted. When you relax in the yoke and let Christ lead, you will find peace and relaxation. ‘You will find rest,’ Jesus said. That implies you have two choices: Oppose him or rest in him! Which of the two will it be?
Prayer: Our Dear heavenly Father Jehovah, help me to lean on You today and to trust You as my source of strength and hope. I cast all my cares on You and praise You because You are faithful and I am confident that my burdens will be made light by your grace, In Jesus Name. Amen