Being Yoked with Jesus
ICS Daily Devotions

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.”

As Christians, we have declared that Jesus is our Lord, not just our Saviour. Therefore, we should learn to relate to God in every aspect of our lives, and walk in His will by surrendering ourselves to Him.

Many of us do not realise that being yoked with the world, or walking through life without God, brings a heavy burden and sorrow. In contrast, when we are yoked with Jesus, we choose to enter a “yoked relationship” in which we allow Him to be the stronger partner in the calling of our lives. Just as a physical yoke connects two animals as they work together, this spiritual yoke makes it possible for us not to face life’s challenges alone, but with Jesus. It is a partnership with the Holy Spirit, who helps, guides, and provides the strength and resources needed to carry out His will.

A primary characteristic of being yoked with Jesus is the absence of friction between our will and God’s will. Being yoked with Jesus gives rest to our souls. When your will is in perfect accord with His, it brings a profound sense of rest, contentment, and perfect peace.

Jesus is the strongest partner we can possibly find in every aspect of our lives. Therefore, our burden is easy when we are yoked with Him, making the work we do, or our business, a form of worship. While the world places heavy burdens on us, Jesus’ yoke is “easy” and His burden is “light”. Life becomes much easier and simpler when we are yoked with God, as He actively helps us carry the load.

The moment we are yoked with Christ, we walk in His will as we fully surrender to His plan and purpose for our lives. His mighty love will hold us close and bless us. There is an ease and grace in living out God’s will in our lives. The burden of carrying out His will will be light because His grace will be sufficient for us in our weaknesses.

John 15:7 (NKJV) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ‬‬

‭When we are yoked with Christ, live out His will for us, and have our lives rooted in His Word, it will be easier to live by faith in Him. Living a lifestyle of faith means a surrendered life, being yoked with Christ, and rooted in His Word, all of which are inseparable. ‬Our responsibility is to obey, abide in, and stay connected to Him, whereas God’s responsibility is to provide.

Reflection: Are you tired because you are torn between being yoked with Jesus and the world? What burdens do you need God to help you carry right now?

Sermon Series： Surrendering Your Will to God