WHAT'S YOUR YOKE?

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July 13, 2023


Matthew 11:28-30

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.

 

I Will Give You Rest

 

The yokes oxen wore were bulky, they were these wooden harnesses that allowed them to pull farming machines. Weighed down by their yoke, the work was exhausting, even for a big, strong ox.

I don’t think we need to have seen a yoke like these, to understand what it feels like to be burdened. How many of us do not know something of the burdens of life that can weigh us down and wear us out? We all do, right? So take note of what Jesus offers us in exchange: Take off the yokes we’re carrying and attach ourselves to Him instead. Jesus promises that when we work alongside Him, we will find rest for our souls. How wonderful is that? No longer weighed down by our old burdens, Jesus teaches us a new way of operating and brings purpose to what once felt like meaningless toil. Here the invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Now that’s a tremendous promise for each of us. Thanks be to God!

REFLECT

  • What’s wearing you out or weighing you down?
  • What would it look like for you to exchange your yoke for Jesus’ yoke?

 

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