My nephew just turned one. I absolutely adore him. It has been a treat to watch him learn to walk over the past few months. Until recently, he wasn’t very steady on his feet, and his parents would hold his wrist, hand, or forearm to steady him and help him walk. As much as he wanted the ability and freedom to walk alone, he couldn’t and he couldn’t get away. His parents were stronger, steadier on their feet and knew what was best for the toddler as he tried to walk. In a sense, my young nephew was “yoked” to his parents as he took on the task of walking.
A Yoke is a wooden bar that allows two animals to be teamed up so that they might effectively work together. We all have work to do. We all have responsibilities, challenges and difficult steps to take. Many of us, like my nephew, want the freedom and ability to do it alone. We foolishly believe we are capable and steady enough to do it our way.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus sees how heavy the burdens are of the people who are trying to live perfect lives. He hurts for them and tells them this healing truth:
28 “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Life is hard. Work is hard. Becoming who we were created to be is hard too. We are called to use our gifts for God’s glory and pursue holiness and peace with all, and we do not have to do these difficult things alone. If we yoke ourselves to Christ, we will have hard work ahead of us; the yoke by definition is a working instrument, but we will be yoked to someone stronger and with more pulling power. We will be yoked to the very capable one who will share the heavier part of the load. He has already walked the walk and finished the race. He will steady us on our feet and he won’t let go. His yoke is easy to bear and his burden is light. Let him share the heavy burdens you are trying to carry; He wants them. He wants you.
Love that R4!