Sneak Peek: ‘A Harnessed Heart vs A Hardened Heart’
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30)
VERY INTERESTING, (sorry to yell) in studying the use of the ‘yoke’, I came upon a training guide for those using ‘oxen power.’
Training Oxen Guide…
A. >>Base for Training: Establish leadership quickly and firmly.
B. >> Rules of Training
1. Train regularly
2. Maintain control
3. Be firm. Insist on obedience
4. Be patient and understanding
5. Be consistent in everything you ask
C. >> Train with the yoke (or harness)
1. Teach ‘Turn right, Turn left.’
2. Teach Step In (step toward), and Step Out (step away)
3. Begin to pull loads
4. Work on giving animals a variety of tasks in a variety of environments.
OH MY! Read the list again, now from ‘God guiding and us following’ perspective. Does this not speak LOUDLY, as we come voluntarily, accept the yoke of Jesus. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – God speaking, Isaiah 30:21. David shares of his God, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8
Interesting.
I so appreciate Eugene Peterson’s translation of Jesus’ words regarding the yoke, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt. 11:28-30 MSG)
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – Heb. 10:24)
[Excerpt from Inspired Fountain Devotional Teaching, ‘A Harnessed Heart vs A Hardened Heart’ … Coming soon]
Inspired Fountain 