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Day 30

unequaledyoked-day30

 

Agrarian societies rely on the cultivation of crops for subsistence by using plows hitched to working animals such as oxen. Productivity is doubled when two animals pull the plow in unison. A wooden crosspiece, called a yoke, placed on the necks of the animals, joins them as one. Frequently, a young ox is paired with an older, mature ox to properly guide and train the younger, inexperienced animal.

Jesus makes the astounding statement to His followers that apart from being connected to Him in continuous unity, they cannot experience a harvest of righteousness in their lives. Salvation through faith in Christ birthed God’s holy nature in us by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. The holy life of Christ that we now possess, develops fully through a continuous yoking of our lives to Christ. He invites us in Matthew 11:28-30 to:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are 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.”

Apart from being connected to Christ and walking by the power of His Holy Spirit, we have no strength or wisdom to find our way out of sin. However, as we come to Christ, the Holy Spirit works powerfully in us to resist temptation, rescuing us from the heavy burden of sin and its devastating consequences.

Will you come to Christ and be yoked to Him? Ask Him to reveal any stones or weeds of sin in your life that would choke out godly fruit production. He will plow the soil of your heart with His love and words, cultivating a rich harvest of goodness.