April 24, 2020: SOAP #3795:  1Samuel 28,29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Observation:  A yoke is a wooden collar designed to hold two oxen to work side by side.  In my limited perspective, I can see two purposes for a yoke.  One is to join the power of the two as one.  The second is to train younger ox.  The younger ox has no choice but to obey the master’s commands as the older and stronger ox does it’s master’s will.

“Take” and “learn” Jesus said.  The purpose of my being yoked to Jesus is not because He is lacking the strength to accomplish His mission.  It is for my benefit.  It for my training.

Application:   When I accepted Jesus as LORD, I took His yoke upon me.  In making Jesus my Lord, I accept His plans for the day, His attitudes, His direction.  I allow Him to change my direction.  It is not that the older ox goes where the younger ox is inclined to go—it is that the younger ox learns to go the way of the older, stronger ox.

Prayer:  Lord, as I am yoked to you, I want you to find me easily trainable.  I want to be a pleasant yoke-mate with you.  May you enjoy that I am yoked to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!