Take My Yoke upon You

Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29). The yoke is an instrument of service. Cattle are yoked for labour and the yoke is essential for them to work together effectively. By this illustration, Christ teaches us that we are called to service as long as life will last. We are to take upon us his yoke that we may be coworkers with him.

The commandments of Christ form the yoke that binds us to his service. God expects us to do His will, which is high and noble and elevating. He desires that we will patiently and wisely take up the duties of service, which Christ himself has borne. He said, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yes, thy law is in my heart” (Psalms 40:8). The hearts of some are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world’s standards. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, and adopted its customs. Our Lord desires us all to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites us all to accept his yoke: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He bids us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with His promise that all things needful to us for this life will be added (Luke 12:31). So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all be co-workers with Christ by taking his yoke upon us.

Bro Green Mumbelunga (Ndola, Zambia)