Quote from Forum Archives on May 25, 2001, 1:16 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

As the work week comes to an end, I would like to offer you this
message from Neil Anderson. The metaphors that Neil uses might
not be that familiar to many of us, since we don't often, if
ever, use a yoke for anything. A yoke, in the context of today's
message is not something in an egg, though that is another use of
the English word "yoke". In this context, a yoke refers to
something used to keep an animal, usually a work animal, attached
to whatever it is pulling, such as a plow, carriage, or other
movable device.

For us, a yoke is a constraining device. Jesus is saying that
His constraints upon us are not forceful. Instead, His yoke is
intended to provide us direction, and actually relieve us of a
heavy burden. In fact, if anything, the yoke is intended to
help us remain close to Him. Even so, Jesus does not force that
yoke upon us. Neil offers us several beautiful illustrations of
how Jesus desires for us to walk closely with Him, and enter into
an intimate relationship with Him, one so close, that it might
seem that we are tied to Him with a yoke. Yet His yoke is easy,
and His burden is light, because He loves us. I hope that this
is understandable, and I pray that God will grant you, not only
understanding, but His wonderful peace.

Brother Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Thursday, May 24, 2001
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 04:20:43 -0400

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N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

May 24

UNDER THE SAME YOKE

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 shall find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light (Matthew
11:28-30).

Matthew 11:28-30 contains a beautiful description of the purpose
and pace of the Spirit-filled walk. Jesus invites you to a
restful walk in tandem with Him, just as two oxen walk together
under the same yoke. "How can a yoke be restful?" you ask.
Because Jesus' yoke is an easy yoke. As the lead ox, Jesus walks
at a steady pace. If you pace yourself with Him, your burden
will be easy. But if you take a passive approach to the
relationship, you'll be painfully dragged along in the yoke
because Jesus keeps walking. Or if you try to race ahead or turn
off in another direction, the yoke will chafe your neck and your
life will be uncomfortable. The key to a restful
yoke-relationship with Jesus is to learn from Him and open
yourself to His gentleness and humility.

The picture of walking in the Spirit in tandem with Jesus also
helps us understand our service to God. How much will you get
done without Jesus pulling on His side of the yoke? Nothing.
And how much will be accomplished without you on your side?
Nothing. A yoke can only work if both are pulling together.

Paul said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the
growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). You and I have the privilege to
plant and water, but if God isn't in it, nothing will grow.
However, if we don't plant and water, nothing will grow. God has
chosen to work through the church, in partnership with you, to do
His work in the world today. He's the lead ox. Let's learn from
Him.

Dear Jesus, I want You to be my yoke-mate today. Keep me from
going ahead or lagging behind. I want to walk step-by-step with
You.

-----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by
Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
< www.ficm.org >.

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< shopping.crosswalk.com/bye/devo_na >

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< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
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