52 Weeks of ForwardSample

Release Those Heavy Burdens!

By Pastor Dale Oquist

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."' Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

The powerful ox can pull its full body weight in short bursts, but two oxen together can pull FOUR TIMES their body weight! When ancient farmers discovered animals were stronger together, they created the yoke—a piece of wood that links two animals, increasing efficiency while decreasing the burden.

The word “yoke” appears in the Bible almost 60 times, but most of its references (more than 40) are used metaphorically. For our modern minds to understand the context, we need to look at the rules commonly used by ancient farmers.

1. The animals need to be equal in size and strength.

If a farmer paired a donkey with an ox, it would hurt both of them. The ox would carry most of the weight, and the donkey would be pulled along in an uncomfortable position. The ox, with its strength, could hurt or break the neck of the donkey.

2. The lead ox must be older with a gentle temperament.

The lead ox is a trained and seasoned ox who carries most of the weight. The other ox is young and gains from his mentor the knowledge needed to accomplish the task.

When these rules were followed, both farmers and animals benefitted. In this life, we are like an ox pulling on our own. We try to carry our burden but end up exhausted and broken down. Jesus told us that if we are weary with a heavy load, He will give us rest.

How does Jesus give us rest for our souls? By being the lead ox carrying the majority of the burden. Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take my yoke on you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus is a leader with the right temperament. He won’t pull you along and hurt you. He won’t let you be unequally yoked. Jesus carried the burden of sin to the cross, which freed you of the weight. Now, because of our humble and gentle leader, you can find rest for your soul.

MOVING FORWARD

Write down what burdens your heart and give it to Jesus. The minute you feel the weight again, remind yourself that Jesus is bearing this burden for you.