Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30

The words “I do!” are only a beginning. So few seem to give any thought as to what that vow, that promise of commitment really means. Our culture seems to be trending further and further from both the need for the device and an understanding of what the word ‘yoke’ means.
First, let’s clarify that I do not mean ‘yolk’ as related to an egg, but yoke, as used by Jesus in Mt. 11:30.
The yoke is used for joining draft animals together, especially oxen, for pulling a plow or cart. A yoke might also be in the form of a frame fitted to the neck and shoulders, enabling a person, especially a servant, to carry a balanced load of two water jars or buckets.
The yoke also symbolized oppression or bondage, as when King Rehoboam promised the people that he would ‘add to their yoke,’ that is, increase their burdensome servitude.(1) Hope for the oppressed has often been expressed in terms of breaking the yoke. (2)
It might seem, then, that the yoke is a symbol of servitude, a burdensome instrument, a linkage to sorrow and despair.
Think for a moment about the many yokes that we might shoulder, yokes that bind us to unhealthy habits, wasteful pastimes, or oppressive relationships. The burden of sin is a heavy yoke indeed.
However, as with many symbols, it is not the device itself that is inherently evil. Literally, yoke means to bind or join. Thus we must not think in terms of the word without considering the relationships between those joined.
For all the negative symbolism implied by the yoke, there are positive aspects as well. To speak of the yoke of holy matrimony is to describe the linking of two in a united relationship: for example - a team, a partner, a mate, a spouse.
This is no less true when we consider our relationship to Jesus. What are we to do after we say “I do!” - That is, after we accept Jesus’ offer of salvation, and say, “Yes, I do accept YOU, LORD, into my heart?”
Note that Jesus did not say, “I have broken your yoke; you are now free to go your own way.” Rather, Jesus has broken your old yoke of bondage to sin, and you have been given a new yoke that is ‘easy, and a new burden that is light, especially as compared to the old servitude. You are yoked to Him, you share His yoke.
You may wish to think of this relationship as Master and servant, certainly one that Jesus spoke of in many of His parables. Considering who He is, His yoke should be neither burdensome, nor oppressive.
Sadly, some seem to disregard the yoked aspect of marriage vows or Jesus vows, preferring to dawdle along, unlinked, blissfully leaving the other to carry the yoke. Some relationship!

(1) 2 Chr 10:1-5; 1 Kg 12:4; 11
(2) Isaiah 9:4.
May 13, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Good and Faithful Servants
* Scripture: "Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters." Proverbs 25:13, NKJV

Farming is an occupation that is critically dependent upon the weather for successful planting, growing and harvest of crops. A few days delay of planting or harvest can make a big difference in yield, or even cause a total loss or failure of the crop.
Field crops, such as grain, need rain after the planting is finished, during the growing season, but wet fields delay planting.
Too much rain during the growing season is bad, and hail, wind, or even drought can destroy the crop at any stage of growth. Timely, moderate rain is essential, and totally beyond control of the farmer.
Probably no stage of growth of any crop - field, orchard, or vineyard - is more critical than at harvest time. The ripe grain can be flattened by wind or hail. Untimely rain, or, heaven forbid! A snow storm at harvest time is a grower's nightmare.
The little verse from Proverbs 25:13 puzzled me for two reasons. First, I can't imagine any farmer happy about snow on a ripe crop, especially standing grain in the field.
Second, the verse is about harvest time in Israel. I know that they do have snow, but I doubted that it happened often in summer, during the harvest season. I had to check this one out.
And I am glad that I did! It opened up a new insight on living in God's kingdom.
I found that it does indeed snow in Israel, usually only in the depths of winter, and even then the snow quickly melts. Harvest time is usually hot, and intensive manual labor in the fields is hard on the workers. Oh! For a cold drink to slake the thirst of one and all. Enter Mount Hermon, which usually has snow even in the summer time. Snow! The ideal cooler for drinks in a hot, arid climate. No ice houses, no refrigeration equipment. Snow from the mountain in the time of harvest to refresh the soul.
Now notice the rest of that verse. It is not about farming or the harvest at all. It is about messengers, good and faithful servants! (See Matthew 25:21.) About faithful friends, leaders, wives and husbands. Pastors and laity. About you and me, servants one and all.
What an insight we gain when we learn the real purpose of that one little verse. God made all things for good, at the right time, in the right place, in the season of need.
Pray that we all come to embody the qualities of that "good and faithful servant" who refreshes the soul of his masters like a drink cooled by snow in the heat of the summer.
July 23, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant . . .” Mark 10:43, NIV

When I worked at Newark High School, I often noted, with a smile, a sign posted in the Band Room:
Your Mother doesn’t work here,
So pick up after yourself.

Children are not inherently, scrupulously, tidy! But they are inherently imitative. They copy what we - parents - do in word and deed. Sure, it takes a while, but tidy behavior observed will eventually be acquired as a behavior learned.
It is not what we say that makes an impression on people, but what we do. The best kind of service we can perform is not “lip” service.
What a difference (in English, at least) two little letters can make. Many people want to be served. How blessed are those who clip those last two letter off of the word, and simply S.E.R.V.E !
To be useful! Surely no phrase is as honorable as the statement, “I just want to be useful.” Not everyone can be president, king, or chief honcho. Not everyone needs to be. Everyone can, and should be, useful.
“Too many chiefs and no Indians.”
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
You get the picture. There is another saying with much merit: “No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child.”
One of the fastest growing segments of our society is what is called the “Service Industry.” People who repair, provide service, and fill the needs of others. All too often we indeed get more “lip” than service. It is one of the biggest complaints registered about businesses today. No one wants to serve. Telephones are not the only place where you are “put on hold.” True service is something many people are reluctant to provide, and the downfall of many businesses.
Woe! indeed to the Christian who joins the throngs of the “Non-servers.” Heed the words of The One whom we are supposed to emulate if we are to be called Christians. He who demonstrated that he came not to be served, but to serve.
His disciples, James and John, requested to sit in the places of honor next to Jesus when He came into His glory. “Not so!” He reminded them. “Whoever wants to become great among you (disciples). . . must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Little things matter. Or should I say, “There is no insignificant service one can perform.” So start by thanking someone who provides a service for you. Even the clerk at the checkout. Smile, and let them know you appreciate their service.
February 2, 2003

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Paul wrote, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Philippians 2:3, KJV

Pomposity! Oooh; That's a nice, big word! Think ostentatious; think vainglory; well, think showy.
The tune played at graduation exercises, and other ceremonial and festival events, is called "Pomp and Circumstance," to give you a better feel for the image of the word. Dignitaries, public officials, royalty and their retinues. Splendor; a show of magnificence.
Puffed up words to show a puffed up attitude - pomposity!
We use the word glory often in reference to God, and rightfully so. We confess, in The Lord's Prayer, the kingdom, power, and glory that is rightfully His. Worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving is an appropriate use of the word 'Glory' when speaking of God.
But what a different meaning we get simply by adding the word vain in front of glory, as it appears in the King James Bible. The word in the Greek language (translated as "vain") can have several possible meanings, including empty, fruitless, ineffectual, and - I like this - empty- handed!
Paul had ample opportunity to observe pomp and magnificence. Luke records that King Agrippa and Bernice arrived to hear Paul with "great pomp," accompanied by high ranking officers and prominent men of the city of Caesarea. (Acts 25:23)
Paul used the opportunity to proclaim Jesus to all who were listening, from the king and governor to the lowest servant.
Paul was serving, and had support from, a much higher authority than earthly kings and governors. He had respect for their office, but apparently was not in awe of their pomposity. Paul, as did Peter and the other Apostles, followed the example of Jesus, who also faced governors and kings confident that God stood with them.
I think that Paul understood that kings are all about pomp and splendor. We expect royalty to be, well, magnificent. But not Christians. And that's what caught Paul's attention in the Church at Philippi - pomposity!
Christ 'emptied' Himself to become a servant of others (the Incarnation.) And right there, in Christ's Church in Pilippi, Paul found strife and vainglory.
All the gold in the world is worthless in heaven. Earthly pomp and majesty pales to nothing before The Glory of the Throne. Vainglory - Don't get caught empty handed!
January 22. 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave . . .” John 3:16 NIV
King Herod the Great was responsible for many excellent building projects in the kingdom he ruled. He was a skilled politician, and managed to keep his head attached to his shoulders when many of those about him were losing theirs. History affirms this. Then why was he hated so in his time? Because he, like many other ‘rulers’, used his power to oppress his subjects. (See Luke 2:16)
Not only kings, but also the religious leaders of Jesus’ time coveted power, and ruthlessly destroyed anyone who got in their way. Many members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction, as well as the fundamentalist Pharisees, opposed Jesus’ teachings because of His popularity. Jesus also refused to follow many of their traditions, calling them hypocrites - and quoted Isaiah 29:13 to back up his words.
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
Their teachings are but rules taught by men.
God intended that rulers should “shepherd” His people, not oppress them. That applies to all leaders, religious or civil. Jesus built many of His parables around the theme of servanthood. He washed the disciples feet to drive this point into their hearts and minds. Read the gospels carefully: The greatest will be as the least. Study the parable of the Unmerciful Servant, Mt. 18:21-35.
How we treat others matters!
Check out the creation story, Genesis 1, especially Gen. 1:27-31. What exactly does it mean to “have dominion?” Can it be that God intended just what Jesus taught, that although humankind is the dominate form of creation, we are here to shepherd and care, not to ravage and abuse?
The core of Jesus’ teaching is contained in The Beatitudes. (Mt. ch’s 5, 6, 7) Peace, love for others, giving (without fanfare!) to the needy, prayer, keeping the Commandments of God, being fruitful in the Spirit - these things are acceptable.
Those leaders mentioned above, the Pharisees and teachers of the law, received criticism (Six Woes, Lk. 11:37-53) because they loaded people down with burdens, and have taken away the key to knowledge!
Are we people more powerful than the Holy Spirit? No! But the Holy Spirit is to “walk along side” us, to lift us up, to enable, to plead our case, to make life better for us.
If we are to truly follow the way of God, of Jesus, and the example of the Holy Spirit, we must be tolerant towards everyone, lifting, loving, pleading their case.
October 7, 2001