Times and seasons come and go. When they are difficult, it is a reassurance to know that it is temporary, especially when it feels so permanent. Then, there are times when it seems many people are going through trials all at once. I have a friend who could be in trouble in her country, maybe her life could be in danger. Several friends are undergoing serious health issues. Others are trying to care for elderly parents who are unable to function anymore, some with marriage and family issues – none with easy answers.
Jesus told us that the yoke we bear is easy and the burden is light. Somehow, I just don’t see it. How can any of this be easy OR light? There certainly are no calm answers.
As I look at a yoke, it seems to be a one piece connecting structure. It links two beings together. The mental picture is that of the oxen—the beasts of burden linked together to draw a wagon or farming implements behind them.
A yoke also provides drive systems in cars. Hmm … forward motion. That’s a good thing. Yokes on steering wheels for cars, providing speed or direction. With a light touch, I’m sure.
Yokes have been used for carrying objects for centuries.
I guess that must be what Jesus refers to: He walks alongside us with this yoke around His neck as well as ours. Isn’t there something that says a burden shared is cut in half?
He not only carries our loads when we cry out in pain, He has an arm around us to reassure us that we are not alone. He will always be there to encourage us, give us guidance, hold His hand lightly on our lives to send them in the right direction. His love is continual. He knows all the ramifications of every situation and He has a plan to work it to our good and for the good of His Kingdom. Always. Every time.
So, as a song goes, when we can’t see His hand, we trust His heart. And His heart is for us.
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:29,30.
Leave a Reply