My first shot at pastoral ministry was during my second year on campus. I was barely just one year into school when I was called up to pastor our campus fellowship. I wept so seriously that no one could calm me down. It was on the third day that the Holy Spirit dropped a scripture in my heart. I knew from that day that His yoke was easy.
Friend, destiny is a yoke. Following Jesus is a yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). A yoke is something that restricts or coordinates your movement and helps you achieve more results. This is why, in Christ, your life is coordinated. You cannot do what you want or like. You cannot go where you want or like. Your life is restricted by the demands of heaven (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Following Jesus is both a freedom and a bondage. We are delivered from the hold of Satan into the hold of Jesus (Romans 6:18). We are bond servants of Christ. We have been apprehended by and for His highest purpose (Philippians 3:12). We have been restricted so that we can be useful to God, ourselves, and our generation.
Perhaps a lot of people have forgotten the implication of heeding the call of God. Jesus plainly tells us to take His yoke upon ourselves (Matthew 11:29-30). But we also need to learn of and from Him so we can carry the yoke well. This is why you cannot be learning from the world and hope to follow Jesus well. He must direct and dictate your walk and work.
However, Jesus unequivocally tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. This means that if what you seem to be carrying is not easy or light, it may not be His yoke (Matthew 11:30, 1 John 5:3). Sometimes, it may be His yoke, but you are not carrying it the way He wants you to carry it (2 Samuel 6:3-7). You need to follow His instructions and not walk in presumption.
God does not want you to die under the weight of His calling. The truth is, divine call is one of the most delicate endeavours anyone can undertake. It is delicate and can be dangerous if not handled with care (1 Corinthians 9:25). Are you currently feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and divine call? Jesus is calling you to learn of and from Him. Learn how to do marriage. Learn how to go about your business or ministry. Learn how to do life from Him. He is telling you today; “My yoke is easy.” Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria