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

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* Decisions
* Scripture: Philip said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"And he (the eunuch) said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" Acts 8:30-31a, NKJV

"Ignorance can be cured; stupid is forever!"
I can't help but chuckle at this bit of philosophical wisdom by a teacher friend of mine. It is one thing to be lacking in knowledge or comprehension about something, but some people seem prone to making bad (stupid) choices in spite of adequate knowledge of the probable outcome.
True wisdom is not found in merely accumulating knowledge, but in the ability to make correct decisions from the possible choices.
I imagine most of us learned pretty quickly that it is quite painful to touch a hot object, like a stove. That experience should impart knowledge about hot things. "Hot! Hot! Don't touch hot things." It shouldn't take too long before someone associates "hot" with probable pain. Knowledge accomplishes little if a person persists in choosing to touch hot things anyway.
"Thou shalt not steal." Seems pretty plain; if it belongs to somebody else, it is not yours. Taking it anyway is stealing! Except for maybe two-year olds, who work by a different standard. Hopefully, two-year olds grow up, and learn that many things belong to someone else. That standard bit of knowledge should be readily understood by all adults, but theft of the highest and lowest degree is rampant in society, judging by the news reports. Breaking the law is just plain stupid, in my book, yet many make bad decisions in spite of knowledge of the consequences.
Knowledge of the differences between good and evil does not by itself lead people to choose good over evil.
Philip was prompted by God to share the gift of instruction and enlightenment. The eunuch was open to guidance and willing to learn. As a result, he heard, and accepted, the good news of Jesus Christ, believed, was baptized, and went on his way rejoicing.
Contrast that with the rich young man who met with the Savior Himself, and went away sorrowful. (Luke 18:23) Or the many other people in the Bible who heard The Word, and chose not to believe.
Be ever open to instruction, always willing to share.
And pray that The Lord will spare us from making unwise decisions.
May 7, 2006

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

* Roosters
* Scripture: Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Ephesians 5:25, NKJV

It’s time to have a little talk about -
Roosters!
The males of domestic fowl, roosters, do far more than sit on the barn roof, crow at dawn, and preen their feathers. They are a very active presence in the flock.
I’ve been observing about twenty chickens as they roam the barnyard area, pretty much free to do whatever chickens do. This is a mixed flock, including small bantams and larger ‘heavy’ breeds, so I think the sample size is large and diverse enough that the behaviors I will describe apply to roosters in general.
Yes, roosters do crow, at any time throughout the day, and they also cackle, cluck, and sing various chicken songs.
Roosters will often try out a nest before entrusting it to their favorite hen companion, and then stand guard duty while the hen lays her egg. Both then announce their pride over the freshly laid egg with gusto - a raucous cackling and sing-song ode to joy.
I once watched as two hens with chicks got into a territorial spat. A rooster quickly intervened, and sent them on their way, a peacekeeper, no less! Roosters can also be very protective and aggressive, especially if something threatens one of the flock.
I got to thinking about the positive attributes of the rooster in chicken society as I observed a rooster find a tasty morsel under the bird feeder, and then allow the hen to come over and pick it up, rather than eat it himself.
Now that rooster doesn’t even read, let alone read the Bible! Yet that bird, in a natural state, embodied many of the things that the Bible tells us we should do to emulate Christ. To paraphrase Jesus, talking about parents giving gifts to children, in Matthew 7:11, If even a rooster can do these things, how much more will the Heavenly Father do good things for you!
(Note that the Golden Rule is given in the following verse, Mt. 7:12, concerning doing for others as you would have them do for you.)
We sometimes hear the excuse that people who are rough and rowdy are just being ‘natural’. The next time that someone pulls that line on you, just tell them that even a rooster does better than that.
Take time to read Ephesians chapters 5 and 6, as well as Peter’s advice on the matter, 1 Peter, chapter 3.
Living together in harmony is sometimes a tough challenge. We need all the help we can get, even from a rooster.
April 24, 2005

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Scripture: Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . “ Philippians 4:11b, NIV
I must admit that I have difficulty associating Paul with a lackadaisical attitude toward anything. His writings, and those of Luke in the Book of Acts, seem to describe a man of action in both word and deed. As Saul the student, he reacted strongly and decisively toward what he perceived to be a corruption of God’s laws and customs. He was not only “breathing out murderous threats” against those who were following The Way, but took action by going to the high priest to obtain authority to take both men and women prisoner, and bring them to trial for their perceived apostasy. (Acts 9:1-2)
Paul and Barnabas had such a “sharp disagreement” concerning John Mark that they parted company, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus. (Acts 15:36-41.
No, Paul did not laze back in matters of faith, practice, or belief and let what ever condition he saw slide by without concern. He spoke out, and put his concerns into actions.
What, then, is Paul talking about when he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” in Philippians 4:11?
This is another instance where we can not take the word out of context. Paul is explaining that he is willing to accept the situation in which he finds himself as an opportunity to serve God, without consideration of payment or physical amenities. He was not giving priority to things that would merely contribute to his comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, the Living Bible translates Paul’s words here as, “I have learned to get along happily whether I have much or little.” Take time to read the full passage of Philippians 4:10-20. He is thanking the church at Philippi for their previous aid and gifts, and is explaining that he had not written them seeking monetary support, but to share the Word with them, and bolster their faith in what ever way he could.
We need to examine our own lives and thoughts and see if we can relate to Paul’s words. It is sometimes difficult to accept the cross we have been given to carry, to endure the thorns to reach the fruit. We seek things that would merely contribute to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. The irritations of life take our focus from the vision of serving the One who gave His all for us.
Consider that we may have been placed where we are because God has a task for us there. Look at what we have an opportunity to accomplish, not at what we have not. It may be possible - just possible - that we have been placed with that irritating associate, the demanding boss, the fractionous situation not to bristle, but to bloom, not to be comfortable, but to be Christlike.
December 7, 2003