What’s Weighing You Down?

The Bible must be studied considering culture and language.

This does not mean we must all attend seminary and learn Hebrew and Greek. This also does not mean that we can’t glean from the Bible simply taking it at face value. But it does mean that we don’t glean everything God has for us when we don’t dig.

The scripture above is a perfect example of how culture and language affect the meaning.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”

Is this what you picture when you think of “yoke”?

Those yokes look awful! Poor oxen. Do you think Jesus was comparing us to oxen? . . . He does call us sheep.

But look at His words again.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”

A “yoke” was a rabbinical teaching. The rabbis placed their teachings, yoked their teachings, upon their disciples.

The Pharisees’ yokes were very heavy. They were laden with rules and laws beyond God’s. ujiyklo;o;.edsIt’s no different from our churches and denominations today. Some of their doctrines are heavy.

But Jesus said,”…my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This is my favorite part. The ancient word translated as easy is Chrestos.

• Chrestos: from chraomai, to furnish what is needed. Profitable, fit, good for any use; figuratively, good gentle, easy to use or bear. In a moral sense, goodness and kindness. (definition from the Key Word Study Bible)

I just can’t help but incorporating all of those nuances into the meaning of Jesus’ words. I find His teaching all of these things. Don’t you? Read through that definition one more time.

But we read our Bibles with our filters. We read the Bible through our wounds, our blessings, and our gender. Preachers, commentators, bloggers, speakers, and Bible translators read their Bibles, teach the Bible, interpret the Bible through human eyes. Keep this in mind.

The Word of God will always bring freedom.

It may convict, but that conviction will lighten your load, not make it heavy.

Are you tired? Burdened? Weary?

It’s not from Jesus.

You may need to step down from all of the church ministries you’re busy doing. Reevaluate.

You may need to ask God if you’re where He wants you to be.

You may need to stop listening to your prophetic friend.

Jesus’ yoke is easy.

His burden is light.

Has the Truth set you free or burdened you? If you are burdened, I want to pray for you. Leave a comment or email me at [email protected].

Have you experienced finding freedom in God’s conviction? I would love to hear your testimony. Remember, your testimony encourages others.

 

Finding Purpose in Freedom,

If learning the meaning of the biblical word Chrestos and Jesus’ term for “yoke” was interesting to you, you would enjoy my Bible study on Ruth!  Click of the picture to go to the link on Amazon.