In Biblical days, an ox was often used as a source of labor.
But did an ox wake up in the mornings and say to itself, “Time to head to the
fields,” then promptly begin to hitch itself to the plow and get busy? No, an
ox is just not that bright. (No doubt you’ve heard the expression “dumb as an
ox.”) The farmer would lead the ox to a location where he could hitch it to the
plow or cart or whatever work equipment he would be using it for, and then guide
the animal out into the field. Clearly, unless the ox was yoked to the farmer’s
equipment, it was no help to the farmer.
Matthew 11:29 begins with Jesus saying, “Take My yoke upon
you” (NASB). Unlike a dumb animal, we may choose whether or not to be yoked as
a part of His workforce. But here’s the surprising part: we’re all yoked.
The Lord Jesus Christ doesn’t force a believer to remain in
His “harness” of peace, safety, purpose and direction. As a human being, though
one bought and paid for by His redeeming sacrifice, you can still choose to
throw off His yoke at will.
But when you do, you find that there is already another yoke
in place – the yoke of your natural sinful nature. Why do you think Jesus said,
“My yoke?” Once you cast aside the yoke of the Lord, a new master steps up to
the reins and cruelly leads you in circles of confusion, zig-zagging so that
you never seem to be getting anywhere or accomplishing anything.
Yet all the while he’s accomplishing his highest goal in a
believer’s life: he’s moving you farther and farther from the only One Who can
put your life back in order. He doesn’t have the power to snatch away a child
of God’s security in Christ Jesus, but he can most assuredly make their earthly
existence miserable and without fruit for the Kingdom of God.
In Matthew 11:29 what did Jesus say was the purpose of
putting on His yoke? “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (NASB). Jesus
Christ wants you to be like Him, and He stands ready to lead you and teach you.
He’ll be the gentle Master Who will lovingly guide you to do His work and walk
with you every step of the way.
Is your life spinning out of control? Check your yoke.
“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 My yoke is easy and
My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-29a, 30).
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