The Yoke of Christ.

Mat 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

It is important to understand what this "yoke" is not:

The "yoke" of Christ does not refer to a car accident, cancer, a physical disability, or the loss of a loved one. These are unavoidable events that God, in His love, wisdom, and sovereignty, permits in our lives to develop our understanding and strengthen our faith. In these trials there may be a yoke to be picked up, but the trial itself is not the yoke. The "yoke" of Christ will help me bear these burdens, but the yoke is not the burden.

The "yoke" that our text speaks of is something I CHOOSE to take upon myself. No one choses a car wreck, cancer, etc. A yoke is something I decide to take up for the sake of Christ.

Notice what this "yoke" of Christ does:

1. A Yoke Restricts Movement. An oxen in a yoke cannot go and move however he wants. His movements are restricted. When I take the "yoke" of Christ, there are some things I just cannot do. Other Christians may use flattery, schemes, and manipulation to get their way, but with Christ's "yoke" upon me, I cannot do these things. Others may be boastful, proud, and self-exalting, but with the "yoke" of Christ upon me, I cannot do these things.

   
   

   Others may be extravagant in their appearance and pleasures, but with the "yoke" of Christ upon me, I cannot do these things.

   
   

   Other Christians may seek fame, applause, and recognition, but with Christ's "yoke" upon me, I cannot seek these things.

   
   

   With the "yoke" of Christ upon me, there may be things I cannot do or seek after, however, I will find the presence, joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction of the glory of Christ and the will of God accomplished in my life.
   

2. A Yoke Aids in Carrying a Load or a Burden. As mentioned above, there are trials and burdens that we do not chose for ourselves, however, when we take up the "yoke" of Christ upon us, we find strength and help to bear these burdens. A Christian who has fully submitted to God's will and embraced the "yoke" of Christ can endure life's burdens and challenges more effectively than a self-willed, self-reliant Christian.

   
   

   A Christian who has embraced the "yoke" of Christ can endure physical and emotional suffering, financial difficulties, heartache, and disappointment more effectively than those who have not. I might decide to live my life on my own terms, free from the constraints of committing to Christ, earning money, building houses, and enjoying myself. However, when life's challenges arise, I will wish I had Christ's "yoke" to help me endure them.
   

3. A Yoke Joins Two Together for the Work. When I take up the "yoke" of Christ, I find that He is right there in the "yoke" with me. Jesus was fully surrendered to the will of God the Father, and when I submit to the will of God the Father, I find that Christ is right there in that "yoke" of submission with me.

   
   

   Some people claim, "I can't live a Christian life or serve the Lord." This might be accurate, but when I submit to Christ's "yoke," I discover that He empowers me to live for God and serve the Lord. When I think I cannot face the trials of life, in the "yoke" of Christ, I do not have to be afraid neither be dismayed, for the Lord my God is with me always (Joshua 1:9). When I doubt my ability to be a witness or a soul winner for Christ, within the "yoke" of Christ, I find that He is always with me, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:18-20). When I fear that I cannot face death and feel overwhelmed, I am not alone in the "yoke" of Christ as I pass through the valley of the shadow of death, for Christ is with me (Psalm 23:4).
   

Serving our Lord is challenging, with unavoidable burdens and trials, and persecution arises. However, in Christ's "yoke," I discover the strength of His presence. The "yoke" of Christ provides rest for our souls and eases our burdens.