Bending Bibles and Barbells 1/20/15 In the previous weeks class we focused on Jesus as the center, the context, of the Bible. At CF2232, I’d like Jesus to not only be a central figure but also be the first thing that a visitor or daily participant sees. Our logo for the BBB class was created with this purpose in mind. Not only is it a radical design but the envisioned meaning is significant. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “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 will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” What’s a yoke and what does that have to do with a picture of Jesus squatting a house? First, let’s explore the idea of a yoke. A yoke was and still is a wooden crossbeam strapped across the neck and shoulders of a beast of burden. The yoke drew together and united the animals under the purpose of pulling a plow. Figuratively a yoke means to subjugate or force to labor. The Lord knew this and knew that the people under his teaching would understand this too. The Jews were not only weary and heavy-laden but they were subject to the Law. Paul opens Galatians 5 with this, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Do you sometimes feel weary and heavy-laden? All of us feel, at times, beat down by life. It’s not always roses and rainbows (read in a Balboa voice). When Jesus spoke the verse in Matthew, He was surrounded by those that were broke down and He thanked God. Then he presented them with His yoke. Jesus’s yoke is easy (comfortable) and His burden is light. Jesus can take our heavy load and massive burdens of this life and give us one that will give us rest. All things are made easy when given to Jesus. He is capable. But what does it mean to take His yoke? His yoke is one of a submitted servant both humble and patient. However, you are yoked together with fellow servants. Fellow believers that are all part of the body. A servant might not sound great but Paul takes it further and calls himself a bondservant; a slave. These terms are again under a different context. We are not operating in the context of the world but through the context that it is all about Jesus. So he says learn from Me. That means to read, study, learn, and operate under the perfect and spotless example He presented. So, in closing what does this have to do with Jesus under a loaded squat bar? As previously mentioned Jesus is capable. He is the epitome of strength; pantokrator “All Mighty.” His burden is light because no matter how heavy it is it will not overcome Him. He overcame the world. So no matter how heavy your burden is, Jesus can take that off of you. We can look to Jesus in life and in training. Let Him lift you up. Life is but a vapor. A bar is just a bar. Jesus is everlasting to everlasting.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:45:53 +0000
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