Yoke
That can’t be true? Some advertisements I see leave me asking that question. Is that product really going to clean my car with ease, reduce my bills, improve my social standing or help me lose weight?
When Jesus walked the earth, he did amazing things, taught like no other and made some bold claims. I often wonder what people thought of Jesus when they saw his miracles and heard him speak. Was he the real deal or not? In the book of Matthew He said this...
“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.”
When Jesus talked about a yoke, his listeners would have understood that a yoke was worn by two cattle when working the field together. Jesus was saying ‘come and be yoked with me’. He was offering relationship with himself.
In other words, he was saying walk with me. Jesus wants to have a personal, real, honest relationship with each and every person. The late Eugene Peterson who wrote The Message version of the Bible puts it like this...
“I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Can this be true? Try Jesus for yourself...
God bless you!
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader