Matthew 11:28-30 AMP
In the generation we live in, it has become normal to be under stress. We all bear our loads. But Jesus makes a point here, that I believe a lot of us miss. He isn't just offering relief; He is telling us all, "You need a yoke!"
No one wants to admit that we don't know what we're doing with life. If we did know, then we wouldn't make mistakes we regret now would we? Nor would we stumble about spending so much time stressing out on what to do and how to do it. Realize this, and that puts you at a crossroads-- I can go at this on my own, or I can have a shepherd. See, shepherds lead and steer us in the right way. Psalm 23 talks of a "rod and staff", two common implements shepherds use. Matt.11 talks of a yoke, which is a steering device. Jesus makes it clear, it's not harsh or hard or burdensome; rather it is light and easy to be bourne. It's a steering device on our will, on our decision-making process.
As we entrust ourselves to Jesus and His Word, we submit to His shepherdship, by saying I will do what Your Word and Your Spirit leads me to do. I won't go it alone, I will look to You, Shepherd. He will impress upon your will a sense of fitting-ness before you make decisions. You will have a sensing that will grow over time spent heeding the yoke. Yet, you still decide what to do. It's still your life. You have to decide to want this yoke, and to heed it in order to be successful.
What a risk God took here, giving us our own free will. And what an offer He made, basically granting us success in everything we do, since the One doing the leading knows the end from the beginning, and loves you more than anyone ever can. Truly mind-blowing. Doing it the solo pilot way just doesn't make any sense.
Relief is momentary; this yoke is the long-term solution to stress and screwing up your life. I choose the long-term solution, I choose the yoke!
iampartofthefew.com
www.god-documented.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
"Damned if you do, damned if you don't."
Matthew 11:16-19 the message:
16 "How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents,17 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.'18 John came fasting and they called him crazy.19 I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riff-raff. Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
"You're damned if you do, damned if you don't" seems to be the message here. Thank You, Jesus, for exposing yet another characteristic of this last-days generation.
When people are offended with the truth of God's Word in the mouth of a messenger, there will always be some fault to find. John was too wild, too extreme. Jesus was too "worldly", too un-religious. Truth is, this generation did not want to welcome the Word, because of the change it would require. Change? Yes. You can't simply hear the Word, be a spectator, nod your head in agreement. The Message Jesus was driving forward (and John too) was REPENT, change, hearing the Word isn't enough; being of the chosen people isn't enough; rebirth and change required (Matt.3). So this was contrary to the living examples of the pharisees, those powerful church leaders of the day.
A preacher in the style of John comes into your life, and you will find fault with his roughshod and violent passionate approach. A preacher in the style of Jesus comes into your life, and his association with the sinners and worldly will bother you. Always complaining, like spoiled children. Sigh. When will our easily offendable brothers and sisters in this Body grow up and start to LOVE the Word, regardless?
A commitment to change is required. Gotta lose the snakeskin. Gotta change from within. No pat answers or spiritual buzz words will carry you through. Offense is the gate that whittles out the fake from the genuine, that separates the serious-about-God from the serious-about-self. Hallelujah, bring it on Father!
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. 'Nuff said. Clear as day. You can display your plastic fruit, but one bite and the show is over. The only opinion that counts, is Yours, Father.
16 "How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents,17 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.'18 John came fasting and they called him crazy.19 I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riff-raff. Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
"You're damned if you do, damned if you don't" seems to be the message here. Thank You, Jesus, for exposing yet another characteristic of this last-days generation.
When people are offended with the truth of God's Word in the mouth of a messenger, there will always be some fault to find. John was too wild, too extreme. Jesus was too "worldly", too un-religious. Truth is, this generation did not want to welcome the Word, because of the change it would require. Change? Yes. You can't simply hear the Word, be a spectator, nod your head in agreement. The Message Jesus was driving forward (and John too) was REPENT, change, hearing the Word isn't enough; being of the chosen people isn't enough; rebirth and change required (Matt.3). So this was contrary to the living examples of the pharisees, those powerful church leaders of the day.
A preacher in the style of John comes into your life, and you will find fault with his roughshod and violent passionate approach. A preacher in the style of Jesus comes into your life, and his association with the sinners and worldly will bother you. Always complaining, like spoiled children. Sigh. When will our easily offendable brothers and sisters in this Body grow up and start to LOVE the Word, regardless?
A commitment to change is required. Gotta lose the snakeskin. Gotta change from within. No pat answers or spiritual buzz words will carry you through. Offense is the gate that whittles out the fake from the genuine, that separates the serious-about-God from the serious-about-self. Hallelujah, bring it on Father!
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. 'Nuff said. Clear as day. You can display your plastic fruit, but one bite and the show is over. The only opinion that counts, is Yours, Father.
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