Take My Yoke

Recently a friend asked about the meaning of the yoke that Jesus refers when
he says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of/from me, for I am meek and
lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls."

First I would like to point out that the proper translation for the word
"of" is better translated "from." Jesus wants us to learn "from" Him. This
takes place on a moment by moment basis...throughout the day. We need to
ask Him for His help, for His guidance...He will never leave us nor forsake
us. We can also learn "from" Him through His Word. This morning while
reading in the book of Ezra, I was reminded how powerful the Word of God is
in our lives. Because of jealousy and envy, the enemies of the Jews stopped
the word of the rebuilding of the temple. Their threats and guile, ceased
an important work However, when the prophets began reminding them of the
promises of the Word, they took courage and the rebuilding continued (Ezra
5:1; 6:14). For me, it really is that simple. Once I see it in the Word,
and am reminded of my responsibility and God's infallibility to help me
overcome all obstacles--I take courage and go on...
Notice also, that Jesus says that He is meek and lowly. When we
have truly learned from Him, we will act like Him. And since practice makes
perfect, He gives us the illustration of the "yoke." The yoke is actually a
double yoke, where two oxen would be yoked together. The younger and less
experienced ox would learn from the more mature experienced ox as they
carried the load together. It has been recorded that the more experienced ox
carried most of the weight as the learning ox was learning to follow. If
however the learning ox tried to resist, it would cause more work and become
less productive.
I hope this answers your question....
On another note...we had an exceptional time with the families at the
Cincinnati convention...it was a God-filled weekend! I was so blessed....a
huge thanks to my staff...they worked non stop...