Almost as soon as Moses delivered the Children of Israel from Egypt, they started complaining against God on the other side of the Red Sea. We see Moses almost constantly interceding for them with God. Then there is the book of Judges where we see the cycle continue, they would listen to God for a while, then go their own way, only to be taken into bondage by another country, it would get to the point they would cry out to God for help He would deliver them, and it would repeat. Then they decided they want a king like everyone else, God gave them Saul as a king. Because he didn’t listen to God things were not what they expected. God replaced him with David the kingdom flourished and grew. When he died his son Solomon took over the kingdom continued to grow. Solomon even built a temple for God. Great, but not so great. As he started marrying wives from other countries he allowed them to bring their idols and set up shrines for their gods in the hill country. After Solomon died the country split with one of his sons as king in each half. The influence of the other gods took over and the further the generations were removed from David the more corrupt they became in worshipping other gods. Thus they broke their yoke with God.
Let’s take a look at what God’s yoke is like.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30 ESV
God’s yoke will teach us his way. We learn His ways by being in the Bible. When we are yoked to His Word it is His hand on the plow and reins directing the way we should go guiding us to make straight rows. He is gentle and meek. He will not use a whip to beat us into doing what He wants us to do. He gently nudges us in the direction we should go. As we go the way He wants we will find rest in a world of turmoil.
His yoke is easy. It is balanced and not going to rub sores. It is not heavy or burdensome. We will not get overwhelmed and burned out when we are following His guidance.
Bonnie Sue Writes 