The Yoke in Obedience

The Yoke in Obedience

Did you know in the Hebrew language, there is only one word for obedience?  It is the word shema.  Eight-one times in the Old Testament, it is translated as “obedience.” 

The Hebrew word picture of shema is the yoke of the oxen.  A yoke is the wooden harness that is placed around the neck of each of the oxen that are teamed together. When a farmer yokes oxen together, he chooses an older, stronger ox and yokes it to a younger ox. By harnessing the power of the older, the younger ox learns to follow its lead and they become very productive.  If, however, the younger ox is stubborn and refuses to learn and follow, no work gets done.   

Author and Pastor David Platt said, “Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity...Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risks find their reward in Christ.” 

Maybe that’s what Jesus meant when He said in Matthew 11:29 (NIV), “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.”  Beloved, do you want God to bless you?  Do you want your life to impact others?  Do you want to grow in intimacy in your relationship with God?  Do you want to live a life characterized by obedience?  If you do, then learn from the yoke of the oxen and yoke your heart to Jesus and learn from Him how to harness His power in your life! God bless you, my dearly beloved! 

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries