Published: October 10, 2008 02:32 pm            

What’s around your neck?

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Do we really understand the implications of Jesus’ words? Have we experienced the “light load” Jesus has promised?

How many times do we face discouragement and stress in our lives, but don’t know how to deal with it? Jesus says to us, “Come to Me!” Are you weary of trying to do life your way? Are you weighted down with the pressures of trying to meet your financial obligations and the needs of your family? Or, are you tired of trying to impress God so He will accept you? Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe you’re trying too hard and need to start trusting Jesus to do what He promised, to give you rest! In our text, Jesus tells us to take HIS yoke upon us and to learn from HIM how to live this life...a life of rest!

Jesus was referring to a yoke used to team two oxen together for the purpose of keeping them pulling together in the same direction. It was important to have animals which could relax under the yoke together or nothing could be accomplished. The same is true of us. Jesus is pulling with us in the yoke He gave us, attempting to direct and guide our lives and provide the strength to live that life. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pull in opposite directions, and that can cause pain and suffering as we work against Him. In addition, we allow other yokes to be placed around our necks. For example, the pressures to succeed in business, pressures of paying for new cars or houses we think we need, and even religious activities which take too much time away from our families!

Jesus said HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. How contrary that is to our experience! But it is the truth just the same. Maybe it’s time for all of us to evaluate the weight of the yoke around our necks. If it’s creating a heavy burden, maybe we need to disconnect for the yoke we’ve made for ourselves and replace it with the one Jesus provided.

So, how will that happen? First, as we COME TO JESUS, seeking Him first, spending time in His presence, being filled afresh with His Spirit. Second, as we TAKE HIS YOKE UPON US, asking Him to guide us to the priorities He has planned for us, giving up our rights to our own plans, recognizing that apart from Him pulling with us and strengthening us we can accomplish nothing of lasting value. And third, LEARN FROM HIM, spending time in His word, getting to know His promises and His provisions to live the Christian life to the fullest!

So, how heavy is YOUR load today? If it’s heavy, perhaps it’s time to check out whose yoke you’re wearing!

        

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