So, let’s talk about yokes. No, not the egg kind (though I do love a good omelet), but the kind of yoke that ties two animals together to pull a plow or a wagon. If you’re like me, your knowledge of yokes might be limited to old movies or Sunday school stories. But stay with me here—this is going somewhere, I promise!
This brings us to another part of Simon Obert’s message from this past weekend, titled “No Limits.” Simon talked about being “yoked together” with God. At first, this might sound like a strange concept, right? But think of it this way: if you’re “yoked” with someone strong, they help carry the load. You’re still moving forward, but with a lot less strain.
Jesus Himself invites us to take on His yoke in Matthew 11:29: “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.” It’s like Jesus saying, “Come on, team up with Me. I’ve got the strength; you just walk with Me.”
Simon put it brilliantly: “When we’re yoked to God, our limits start to look a lot like launchpads!” How’s that for a perspective shift? The areas where we feel weakest, most tired, or just plain “done” are the very places where God wants to step in and do something amazing.
When was the last time you felt like you were carrying something heavy—like, “dragging an elephant up a hill” heavy? Maybe it’s a problem at work, a family issue, or just the weight of trying to be “enough” in every area of your life. What if, instead of trying to pull that weight alone, you remembered that you’re yoked with the One who has infinite strength?
Here’s a fun mental picture: Imagine you’re on a two-person bicycle with Jesus. You’re pedaling like crazy, sweating bullets, and then you realize He’s not even pedaling yet! He’s just coasting, waiting for you to look over and say, “Uh, a little help here?” And He’s like, “I thought you’d never ask!” Suddenly, He starts pedaling, and you’re flying down the road. Yeah, that’s what being yoked with God is like—except, you know, with less spandex.
Think about this: Where are you trying to go it alone in life? What’s weighing you down? How might things change if you truly leaned into God’s strength instead of your own? What if you trusted that when He says, “Take my yoke,” He means it’s a lot easier than doing it solo?
Let’s pause and pray:
“Lord, thank You for inviting me to be yoked together with You. Help me to stop trying to carry everything on my own and learn to walk alongside You, trusting in Your strength. Remind me that with You, even my limits can become launchpads. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
So, next time you’re feeling the weight, remember: you’re not meant to carry it alone. God’s got His hand on the wheel, His foot on the pedal, and He’s ready to take you places you never thought possible.
Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.