This morning, I was feeling the weight of the past on me. Things said and done. Things that happened. They replayed in my mind and they felt heavy. Then, I felt my heavenly Dad say, “Call on me.” So, I did and I instinctively turned to Matthew 11:28-30 to encourage myself in the Word. There, Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

I love my Dad’s revelations. They’re always so timely, so spot on. I’ve read that passage many times before, but today, I thought, “But what is the purpose of a yoke?” So, I looked it up and discovered that a yoke is used so animals can pull loads together more efficiently.

Wow! So, Christ is saying to you and me, “Yoke yourself to Me and let’s deal with your heavy burdens efficiently together!” He is saying surrender to Me. Be reliant on Me. Cling to Me. And you will find rest.

This is consistent with God’s heart and design for us. A yoke is metaphorically used to describe the joining or linking of things or people (as in marriage or a contract much like our covenantal relationship with God). We were created to glorify Him and have relationship with Him. We were never meant to carry anything alone but partner with Him in surrender. 

So, if you’re feeling heavy laden, chances are you’re trying to carry a load alone. In the verses preceding this passage, Jesus spoke about the truth being hidden from those who are wise and learned. He said the truth is revealed to little children i.e. to those who are like trusting dependants (Matthew 11:25-26). Elsewhere, Jesus said the kingdom belongs to those who are like little children (Luke 18:16)

So, when your trust and confidence is in God, and you call on him again and again, the kingdom belongs to you!

In the passage, another thing Jesus is saying is, “Learn from Me”. A yoke is used to instruct (showing one what to do and not do) and direct (showing one where to go and where not to go). Unlike the typical yoke, Jesus assures you that His yoke is easy because He guides and instructs you with a gentle hand and humble heart. That is His character. He also assures you that His burden is light. That’s because He gives you Grace, the supernatural ability to carry it. You cast your burdens on Him because He cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. What a lovely picture. What an amazing God and Father!

So, let’s get and stay yoked, folks.

If ever you find yourself feeling tired or carrying the weight of something, make that call. Call on Jesus. Let Him show you the way. Allow Him to lighten your burden.

He is a covenant-keeping God!

Love,