The LORD's yoke

 

The LORD JESUS said:

Matthew 11:29-30

King James Version

29 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.

30 For my yoke is easy, 

and my burden is light.

First, what does "yoke" mean?

Here's what we found:

a: a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together

b: an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person

c: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions

   -- Source: Merriam-Webster

But what did JESUS mean when He used the word "Take my yoke upon you"?

Let's look at Bible translations:

Matthew 11:29-30

Easy-to-Read Version

29 Accept my teaching.[a] Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. 30 Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30

International Children’s Bible

29 Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. 30 The work that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is not heavy.”

Matthew 11:29-30

The Message

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:29-30

New Century Version

29 Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. 30 The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30

New International Reader's Version

29 Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. 30 Serving me is easy, and my load is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30

New Life Version

29 Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls. 30 For My way of carrying a load is easy and My load is not heavy.”

Mattityahu 11:29-30

Orthodox Jewish Bible

29 Take my ol (yoke) upon you and learn from me, for I am anav (humble) and have shiflut (lowliness) in lev (heart), and you will find menuchah (rest, security [RUTH 1:9]) for your nefashot (souls, YIRMEYAH 6:16].

30 For my [Moshiach’s] ol (yoke) is easy and my burden is light. [See Mt 23:4]

Matthew 11:29-30

Worldwide English (New Testament)

29 Do what I tell you. Learn what I teach you. I am gentle. I am not proud. Then your hearts will rest.

30 What I tell you to do is easy. What I give you to carry is not heavy.'

In SUMMARY, "Take my yoke upon you" means:

Accept my teaching.[a] Learn from me.

(Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy.)

Accept my work and learn from me.

(The work that I ask you to accept is easy.)

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

(Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.)

Accept my teachings and learn from me,

(The burden that I ask you to accept is easy;)

ecome my servants and learn from me

(Serving me is easy)

Follow My teachings and learn from Me.

(For My way of carrying a load is easy)

Take my ol (yoke) upon you and learn from me,

(For my [Moshiach’s] ol (yoke) is easy)

Do what I tell you. Learn what I teach you.

(What I tell you to do is easy.)

That means, we work in tandem with the LORD.

The LORD knows best.

We are to trust Him

Really pretty easy to understand, if your heart's right with JESUS.

Especially if you're born again, and being taught by SPIRIT.

Your belief is totally upon CHRIST.

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BEFORE you can TEACH

 2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Being born again is revolutionary.

For our LORD is revolutionary.

JESUS went against the grain of the world.

He was not afraid to declare:

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

Unless you're a true born again, you cannot be an effective teacher.

Unless you're a true born again, you will cause GREAT danger upon ALL your students.

JESUS explains:

John 8:24

King James Version

24 I said therefore unto you, 

that ye shall die in your sins: 

for if ye believe not that I am he, 

ye shall die in your sins.

Unless we believe in JESUS, we cannot teach right.

We won't be righteous.

We will lead others astray.

As it is, there are too many people who don't care for GOD.

They don't care to know GOD.

They don't care to know His laws.

They believe in self, or others.

They worship many gods.

They don't believe in JESUS, the SON of GOD.

Who came down from heaven, to save us from our sins.

1 Peter 3:18

King James Version

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, 

the just for the unjust, 

that he might bring us to God, 

being put to death in the flesh, 

but quickened by the Spirit:

"But I'm not a Christian!" you protest.

Well, it's time you became one.

Become born again now.

That you may be taught by the TEACHER of ALL teachers.

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

nd bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

Unless you're born again, being taught by the SPIRIT of GOD, you will be teaching the ways of the world.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

You will create more of the same.

That will endanger the soul of others.

Born agains take great responsibility for what we teach.

It must only come from SPIRIT.

And what does SPIRIT teach?

John 15:26

King James Version

26 But when the Comforter is come, 

whom I will send unto you from the Father, 

even the Spirit of truth, 

which proceedeth from the Father, 

he shall testify of me:

SPIRIT teaches us about JESUS.

Why is it important to know about JESUS?

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

John 1:1-3

King James Version

1 In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; 

and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Luke 21:33

King James Version

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: 

but my words shall not pass away.

John 1:14

King James Version

14 And the Word was made flesh, 

and dwelt among us, 

(and we beheld his glory, 

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) 

full of grace and truth.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12

King James Version

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven given among men, 

whereby we must be saved.

Colossians 1:16-20

King James Version

16 For by him were all things created, 

that are in heaven, 

and that are in earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether they be thrones, or dominions, 

or principalities, or powers: 

all things were created by him, 

and for him:

17 And he is before all things, 

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: 

who is the beginning, 

the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father 

that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, 

by him to reconcile all things unto himself; 

by him, I say, 

whether they be things in earth, 

or things in heaven.

In JESUS is truth.

If we don't believe in JESUS, if we don't follow Him, if we don't obey His commandments, we teach lies.

Man cannot be the authority on truth.

Romans 3:10

King James Version

10 As it is written, 

There is none righteous, 

no, not one:

Romans 3:12

King James Version

12 They are all gone out of the way, 

they are together become unprofitable; 

there is none that doeth good, 

no, not one.

Romans 3:23

King James Version

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short of the glory of God;

Thus, man cannot be the perfect teacher.

Unless we are born again, taught by SPIRIT, we will continue to propagate lies.

Only the Bible speaks truth.

But how many believe the Bible?

The world is in GREAT danger of receiving the wrath of GOD, for they believe not on His SON.

1 John 3:23

King James Version

23 And this is his commandment, 

That we should believe 

on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, 

and love one another, 

as he gave us commandment.

Whether you're a teacher of kids, teenagers, or adults, the principle remains the same.

You can only teach best, if you are being instructed by the HOLY SPIRIT, as born again.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

1 Corinthians 2:14

King James Version

14 But the natural man receiveth not 

the things of the Spirit of God: 

for they are foolishness unto him: 

neither can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned.

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Image: Clipart Library

Be NOT weary doing HONEST work

 

Galatians 6:9

King James Version

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: 

for in due season we shall reap, 

if we faint not.

Are you a blue-collar worker?

Or someone enslaved at work?

With no one appreciating your work?

I dedicate this post to you.

For you are not forgotten.

Most of all, not by JESUS.

Remember, He, too, was a blue-collar worker.

Mark 6:3

King James Version

3 Is not this the carpenter, 

the son of Mary, 

the brother of James, 

and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? 

and are not his sisters here with us? 

And they were offended at him.

He knows your travails.

That's why He promised:

Matthew 5:5

King James Version

5 Blessed are the meek: 

for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 20:16

King James Version

16 So the last shall be first, 

and the first last: 

for many be called, 

but few chosen.

Let these verses honor you.

Let these verses give you strength, to keep going.

Let these verses honor the humble work you do.

Your labor is not in vain.

Proverbs 22:4

King James Version

4 By humility 

and the fear of the Lord 

are riches, 

and honour, 

and life.

Romans 12:11

King James Version

11 Not slothful in business; 

fervent in spirit; 

serving the Lord;

1 Corinthians 4:12

King James Version

12 And labour, 

working with our own hands: 

being reviled, we bless; 

being persecuted, we suffer it:

1 Corinthians 15:58

King James Version

58 Therefore, 

my beloved brethren, 

be ye stedfast, 

unmoveable, 

always abounding in the work of the Lord, 

forasmuch as ye know 

that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, 

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Ephesians 6:7-8

King James Version

7 With good will doing service, 

as to the Lord, 

and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, 

the same shall he receive of the Lord, 

whether he be bond or free.

Philippians 4:13

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

King James Version

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; 

but wrought with labour and travail night and day, 

that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Hebrews 6:10

King James Version

10 For God is not unrighteous 

to forget your work and labour of love, 

which ye have shewed toward his name, 

in that ye have ministered to the saints, 

and do minister.

James 1:4

King James Version

4 But let patience have her perfect work, 

that ye may be perfect and entire, 

wanting nothing.

Philippians 4:8

King James Version

8 Finally, brethren, 

whatsoever things are true, 

whatsoever things are honest, 

whatsoever things are just, 

whatsoever things are pure, 

whatsoever things are lovely, 

whatsoever things are of good report; 

if there be any virtue, 

and if there be any praise, 

think on these things.

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LOVING the work you do

 

John 6:27

King James Version

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, 

but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, 

which the Son of man shall give unto you: 

for him hath God the Father sealed.

What is the work you do?

Enjoying it a lot?

Getting paid enough?

Do you eagerly go to work each morning?

Proud of the work you do?

Would you do it, even if you didn't get paid?

Would you do it, even if starting would entail sacrifices?

Would you do it, for the rest of your life?

If you're having fun at work, then perhaps, you've found your place in the sun.

If you're not having fun, why are you doing the work you're doing?

Is work just to pay the bills?

Just to make a living?

Just for prestige?

To have a nest egg?

To prepare for retirement?

To show what you're good at?

As a measure of your worth?

Prefer being employed?

Or do you prefer working for yourself?

What makes work enjoyable?

What work are you looking for?

There are a lot of questions the thinking person will ask for himself.

A need to re-assess his work, his life, his goals.

A need to review the projects he's working on, the people he works for, and if he is justly compensated.

What is just compensation for you?

Who are you serving?

Is it something you would teach your children to do?

Or would you hide such, from them?

Are you telling yourself you'll keep working this way, with this job, with such people, until such time you've got enough saved?

Then you can abandon ship, and do something else?

Or do something you really like?

And be your own boss?

What was your goal for working?

Have you reached your goals?

How did you get into the work you're doing?

Does it fill your heart with joy?

What could you be doing better now?

How can you accomplish that?

Who can you really trust?

Who can help you?

As born again, I serve the LORD.

He made me a writer, in His service.

I do not think of compensation.

I only care I get His WORD right.

And that I share it with you, JUST as the LORD wants me to.

What reward do I need?

Being entrusted with His WORD, with His SPIRIT, suffices.

I seek no reward.

It's not dumb to do so.

I just want to do things right by GOD.

I LOVE the work I do for JESUS.

I feel so honored serving you, and the LORD.

I never get tired.

I'm always on the alert for His prompts.

He's the one who makes sure I get some sleep.

Working for GOD is such delightful work!

I've been at it, night and day, for over 33 months now.

Non-stop.

I get to reach you, warn you, alert you, share the GOSPEL with you.

I get to study with SPIRIT.

He teaches me everything I need to know.

He answers ALL the questions I present.

It's an honor serving the LORD.

GOD prepared me for this.

From day one.

May you be blessed with useful work.

And only GOD can give you that.

Let the LORD define you in HIS service.

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Image: Andrea Piacquadio