The Yoke of Love

~~~ Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 ~~~ Psalm 102 ~~~ Matthew 11:28-30 ~~~

Just recently we had this same Gospel

about coming to Jesus for he will give us rest.

The church must feel it is so important for us to believe this truth.

Next Jesus says...

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me...

What does this mean?

What is a yoke?

How is it possible for us to take on the yoke of Jesus?

Would not the burden be too great for us?

Why would he even suggest this idea?

A yoke is literally a band, something that binds.

To accept the yoke of Jesus is to be bound together with him.

Not such a bad idea when one is carrying a heavy burden.

To take the yoke of Jesus, to be bound with him,

 means that you go wherever he goes.

You are not in charge, rather you let Jesus take over your life.

If we believe that Jesus is love then it should follow

 that his yoke would be the yoke of love.

If we take the yoke of Jesus we are taking the better part of ourselves.

Jesus is binding us to all of his goodness.

We are attached...we are safe.

He would never lead us into danger.

Jesus would not call us to himself in this manner

 other than to relieve our stress.

Parents often must impose tough love on their children;

is this what Jesus is suggesting?

This may be his version of tough love; 

to give him our burdens in exchange

for binding ourselves to him.

If one cries out 'woe is me' they have either ignored

 or refused this invitation for Jesus.

If we accept his yoke, just being bound

 to him will indeed bring us rest.

To some love may be a burden, 

but how could we possibly go on without love?

To take on the yoke of Jesus means to let go

 of your selfish inclinations.

Being so closely bound to Jesus gives us a one on one,

face to face opportunity to learn from him.

Bound to Jesus is not hard...it cannot be a burden.

Accept his yoke.

Be Blessed along the way.

~~~Peace~~~