The Yokes On You

Simon Says. I don't know about you, but I was no champ when it came to playing Simon Says. After about five or six commands into the game, you would typically find me out on the sidelines. There were so many commands and twists. "Simon says, 'Sit down.' Simon says, 'Stand up.' Simon says, 'Sit down.' 'Stand up.'" Simon, I could never keep up with all you wanted me to do!

So today I write a little more about obeying commands. By the way, if there's one thing that you may not know about me is that I tend to be a bit nerdy (OK, a lot nerdy) and just eat up all of the historical facts of other societies, their politics and their culture. But particularly, the Jewish culture intrigues me most, though I wouldn't claim to be an expect about it. But here's something interesting that I have learned and think you'll appreciate, too (maybe).


Back in the B.C., ancient Jewish rabbis would pray through and pour over God's word, which at this time were the first five books of our Bible. He would then interpret what God was saying through the scriptures and then help the people understand it, as well. A rabbi's interpretation of the scriptures is called his yoke, which also included his insights into holy living. These insights were generally conveyed through lists of do's and don'ts. When the people decided to follow a rabbi - called taking up his yoke - it meant that they would dedicate their lives to following his teachings and obeying the rabbi's do's and don'ts.

Most people don't realize this, but the disciples looked to Jesus as their rabbi. They not only followed after Him, but they took up His yoke and committed their lives to trusting Him. Jesus made an incredible claim about his yoke. He said that it was easy. (I once confused this in my mind with an egg yolk and always envisioned bacon and eggs over easy. Don't be confused. It's totally not the same thing.)

What does that mean - that His yoke is easy?

The yoke of Jesus was simple: love God and love others. He said that He didn't come to do away with all of the laws, but to fulfill them. We don't have to carry the burden of upholding lists and lists of laws because it's all fulfilled when we love God and others. Think about it. When you love God, you won't sin against Him or His people. In fact, you love His people. You're compelled. You can't help it. You don't have to think about it. When you love His people, you won't hate or steal or cheat. Instead, you see people as He sees them and you'll want to be kind and generous to them.

Do you ever get tired of trying and failing to be a good person? As I discussed yesterday, there's nothing good in and of ourselves. For anyone who is tired or frustrated of trying to be a good person, this is for you. Give up. You'll only grow weary of all the trying. And love God. You'll find yourself acting differently and seeing others in a whole new light. You'll stop acting so much like yourself and acting more as Jesus would.

I leave you with this:

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."