(Oct. 9) Sunday Snippet

Matthew 11:25-30

“Come unto me” - Jesus said - all you who are tired; all who are feeling drained; all you who are feeling empty; all you who are burdened by a sense of disappointment; if you’ve had your life turned upside down; if you’re exhausted by the struggle; if you’re still having to carry a heavy load; then come unto me and I will give you REST.  I will cleanse you; I will fill you with peace and establish for you a new relationship with God.

That is the first part of what Jesus had to say; of what Jesus promised.  The second part is this - “take my YOKE upon you…”

Wait a minute!  When you think about it, this sounds like a contradiction!  Come unto me those who are weary and take upon your weary self just one more thing!  What we need, Jesus, is rest - not more labor - not another item to carry in our backpacks - not another lesson to be learned - not another chore - not another tool to use - not more affliction to the already afflicted, certainly NOT a heavy wooden yoke to carry across our shoulders!

…My yoke is easy in Greek can mean “well fitted.”

In Palestine ox-yokes were made of wood; the ox was brought, and the measurements were taken.  The yoke was then roughed out, correctively carved, smoothly sanded and the ox was brought back to have the yoke tried on.  The yoke was carefully adjusted so that it would “fit well” and NOT gouge or scrape or injure the neck of the animal. 

…Thus, Jesus’ yoke does not drag us down, it does not chafe or hinder or cause us to collapse in exhaustion.  His is a yoke that is bearable because it is “well fitted” to ensure permanent injury does not occur.

“The yoke I give is not meant to cut into your neck, but gently open the beauty of your soul.” (J. Royle) “You are under a yoke that makes you weary - take that one off - and give mine a try.” (Jesus Christ)