In Others’ Words: God, You, and a Yoke (Guest Post)

Really? Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden is light? Saving all of creation by dying for us is easy?

When I look at who Jesus was trusting in to do the work – God the Father – and that Jesus knew his Father was trustworthy, ultimately powerful and infinitely gracious … then I see why Jesus thought his burden was light.

I can too readily rely on my trustworthiness, my power, and my graciousness … and I know them to be faulty, weak and imperfect. I grow disappointed, work-weary, burdened by worries and failures.

Jesus does not reproach me, but offers to let me learn from him. A yoke is a wooden farm implement that went over and around the necks of two oxen to link them together to a plow. An older, more experienced ox was often paired with a younger ox. The farmer guided the team and the younger animal would learn what the commands meant, how to pull through soft or hard soil, up or down hills, by seeing how the more experienced ox plowed. The older beast would pull more of the load, do more of the work — teaching the younger by example.

When I follow Jesus’ example then I, too, can trust that all my life will be guided by an infinitely wise farmer and a powerful, experienced plowing partner who knows what I am going through and walks with me the whole length of the field.

The result? An easy yoke to carry, with a light task.

And soul-rest.

In Your Words: Whose yoke are you carrying? Yours, someone else’s, Jesus’ ? How’s that going for you?

Are you looking for soul rest? #inotherswords #lifequotes #faith
Click To Tweet

In Others’ Words: God, You, and a Yoke #lifequotes #faith #rest
Click To Tweet

With thanks to my husband Rob, who volunteered to guest blog for me last night when I was falling asleep over my keyboard. He’s a compassionate man, yes — and wise.