Oak Hill Church of Christ 9-22-24 Message: "The Yoke Is Light"

Oak Hill Church of Christ member, Neil Greenwood, delivers a message on the importance of remembering that nothing is new in God's Creation, and God's promise of peace in difficulty is a message for all time.

When we see the things that happen on the news and around the world, whether through social media, or the internet, or our own eyes, we can be tempted to think that, finally, mankind has created a new and truly awful thing that will surely derail God's plan.

The Bible directs us to remember that all of the core of the actions we see play out in our world today are not altogether different from times past. Technology may change, clothes may change, hairstyles may change, but we are still the same Creation, subject to the same sinful impulses, but saved by the same blood of Christ.

One of Christ's most important and enduring messages is that of freedom from suffering in solitude. Jesus offers to share our burden alongside us. The only begotten Son of God reaches out his hand toward us to deliver us from the emptiness of solitary suffering. He courageously offers to lighten our load by his own effort.

In the classical and medieval world, the ploughman's yoke was a powerful symbol of heavy burden and hard work. Jesus offering an easy yoke would have been an easily understood word picture. In this fallen world, we can often feel like a tremendous weight has been placed upon us, and an unfeeling force drives us forward despite our burden, oblivious to our pain.

Jesus shows us that it is not so for God. He takes up our burden alongside us, guiding us forward step by step. Jesus doesn't drive us from behind, but guides us side by side. Today, we may be free from the manual labors of the past, but we may be quick to say, "Yes, but today it is even worse, because..."

God shares with us that nothing about the modern day surprises God or hampers His will. He still lightens our burdens and directs our paths. Take heart in knowing that God is just as alive and active today as He has ever been. Let Him lighten your load, invite Him alongside you, and take your burden to Calvary.