April 16

Keeping Step!

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. — Matt 11:28-30 BSB

A yoke—for two! Throughout His life, Jesus was calling people to take His yoke. What was His yoke? It was the desire to do the Father's will. This was the guiding principle of His life (John 5:30; John 6:38). His call was so powerful that the sons of Zebedee left their father and boat, Andrew and Simon left their nets, and Matthew left his tax booth to follow Him. Men and women abandoned their sins and ambitions to walk with Jesus. Saul, the proud Pharisee, heard that call and gave up everything that promised earthly success to share in Christ's mission of redeeming the world.

But to walk with Christ requires agreement—agreement of purpose and heart. "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). This means there can be no partnership between light and darkness or between a Christian and an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:6-7).

The yoke also means hard work. Saving a lost world or a single soul is no easy task. Jesus faced the hardened hearts of men, shaped by years of neglect and resistance. Before salvation can occur, the soil of the heart must be turned up, revealing the hidden thoughts and motives (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

The yoke also symbolizes fellowship. God and humanity worked together to feed the five thousand, turn water into wine, and raise Lazarus from the dead. Every great work for Christ has involved both divine power and human effort.

Finally, the yoke anticipates the harvest. We plow in hope, knowing that one day the harvest will come, and the Son of Man will gather it in. What joy there will be to share in that harvest celebration!

Prayer

The chains You place upon me, O Lord, are wings of freedom. Bind my heart to Yours with the cords of love, so that it becomes my nature to be led by You. Amen.