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Yokes – Part 7
Matthew 12:46 – 50
The Test of Authenticity:
Intimacy, Not Affinity
Pasture Scott began in Isaiah 58:
1 – 12
In verse 6 the writer suggests
that to release from the bonds of a ‘yoke’ is to “let the oppressed go free.”
And in the next few verses the writer lists the things that would free the
“oppressed” from their yokes. He talks about things like share food with
hungry, provide for the poor, bring homeless into your house, and cover the
naked. (It sounds a lot like what Jesus said in Matthew 25 about how we would
be ultimately judged, doesn’t it?)
Pasture Scott asked if this was a
literal or metaphorical statement. What do you think? I think verses 8, 9 &
10 answer this question. What do you think? If we have the surety of blessing
when we do these things, what then is the penalty for not? (Once again see what
Jesus said in Matthew 25.)
By the way, anybody know where
Haggai is?
In Zechariah 7:8 – 12 the Lord
recounted that His original intention was as it was said in the Isaiah passage
but here in verse 12, “They made their hearts like flint…therefore great wrath
came from the Lord…”
Once again, what is our mandate?
I’m sorry…..What was that again????
The 7th Yoke…..
Matthew 12:46 – 50
Are we brothers, sisters and
mothers of the Lord Jesus? Are we so intimately acquainted with him that we
know the specks in his eyes and what that particular frown really means? Are we
just friends or are we so close that we feel his heart beat? Are we just close
friends or are we really intimately acquainted?
Look in Luke 10: 38 – 42 of the
instance where Jesus spent some time in the home of Mary and Martha. Are we a
‘Mary,’ or are we a ‘Martha?’ Are we satisfied with just being around Jesus or
do we crave his nearness, his closeness.
“Yeah, I know Jesus. I’m Martha
and I’ve had him for supper at my house. He sat at my table.”
“Yes, I know Jesus. I’m Mary and
I sat at the master’s feet and heard him teach. I saw the expressions on his
face, the intonations of his voice and know how special he is.”
So, which are you?
In Hebrews 11:6 the writer
indicates that when we seek God, He rewards us by allowing us to find Him.
There is no greater goal in this life or the next.
The Test of Intimacy –
1. Steadfast Belief
He is Sovereign – He Reigns
He is Good – To me.
2. Passionate Pursuit
Keeping a single eye on Him.