It’s only been in the last few weeks that I realised I’ve unconsciously held an negative impression about the yoke that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 11:29. Even though the language around it is beautiful, my working belief has been more in line with the idea of yoking being something more like shackles… representative of slavery… and as such – I have missed something, that now I see it – feels like a very big deal.
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30
The purpose of a yoke is to combine the strength of the creatures within it.
When Jesus invites you or me
to come into a yoke with Him
it’s not that He needs
our strength is it…!
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Ro 8:26
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2Cor 12: 9
