As we busily move through our days—and especially when things are going well—it’s easy to leave God on the back burner. So often, it’s when the burdens of life become overwhelming or too tough to handle on our own, that we cry out to Him.

And although in His graciousness and goodness He hears us any time, God never intended that we navigate through life alone. In Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit, He’s given us a helper, or comforter, a companion and friend to walk with us through the peaks and valleys of our journey.

When the burdens of life leave us depleted and drained, Matthew 11:28-30 is often quoted:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 

Yoke is a term rarely used in today’s vernacular. Yet its significance adds astonishing insight to these verses.

A yoke was a farming tool used to join two animals such as oxen together, to pull heavy loads. Together, they could share the workload and become more productive. Neither animal could carry the load alone, but together, could shoulder it with ease.

In biblical times, yoke for oxen were often custom made to fit particular animals. It’s believed that Jesus came from a carpenter’s family, so it’s likely He had personal experience in hand carving wooden yokes and making sure they fit well.

Using the illustration of a yoke, Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in the work of life and ministry. This beautiful section of Scripture clearly implies a continuing relationship with Jesus Christ. We each have a yoke and a burden, a function and a responsibility as Christ followers.

The Lord has a custom yoke ready for each of us when we’re willing to let Him share our daily burden. When we find ourselves heavy laden and weary, the remedy is found in bringing our hearts back to Him, into His presence. 

Carrying out our work with Jesus alongside us sharing the load is not tiresome or burdensome.

Yoked to the Master we find rest to our souls.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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