Zec 9:9-10, Rom 8:9, 11-13, Mt 11:25-30
We’ve heard this biblical passage numerous times, often through great musical interpretations. It brings great comfort to many; the mere mention of ease and rest often provide an instant sense of peace and relief.
A yoke is used to distribute a work load evenly among a pair of draft animals laboring in the fields. In other words, this biblical passage implies a partnership with Lord. The words, ‘Take my yoke…” implies that He’s inviting us to be the second, while He is the first, of the pair. It is not that the load is light and easy, it is that He is carrying a portion of the load Himself, so it is light and easy for the second of the pair.
Well, I am not an ox and I don’t labor in the field, so what modern day equivalent sort of work is the Lord inviting me to do? I ask this question, only to dismiss it. The point is that it doesn’t matter what we are doing, if we are focused on who we are doing it with. Namely, the Lord. He is our partner, yoked to us as we are yoked to Him… if we choose to accept the invitation in the gospel reading.
And that is what this passage is. An invitation to a partnership. An invitation to share: to share thoughts and feelings, ideas and dreams, the work load and worries, the joys and sorrows. And to share mutually. Which means the Lord has stuff He wants us to hear too about His perspective of things. Are we listening? Are we doing our best to be a good partner to Him?
Reflection Questions
- How do you feel about the idea of being yoked to the Lord?
- How do you feel about the idea of the Lord as your partner?
- Do you feel you are a good listener?
- Do you do your bit to pull the load?
- Are there any changes you might consider making?
Writing to Pray 