Let Him be your lead ox

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Renewed hope”

Our Bible verse for today: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Let Him be your lead ox”

In yesterday’s devotional message I shared with you my primary life-verse, which is Proverbs 3:5-6. But I mentioned that I have several others as well. Matthew 11:28-30 is one of them. In it, Jesus teaches essentially the same truth that Solomon taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and in both cases, the instruction is the same – focus on the Lord and walk through life with Him.

For those who have listened to my preaching and teaching over the years, and who have read my books and daily devotional messages, today’s devotional will be a repeat of what you have heard from me numerous times. But I repeat the lesson of this parable so often because the principle it teaches is essential for living the Christian life well.

In this parable Jesus paints a picture of a team of oxen plowing a field. They are yoked together and in every team of oxen there is a lead ox and a follower ox. The lead ox is bigger, stronger, and more experienced. He carries most of the load and he provides all the direction. The follower ox is smaller, weaker, and less experienced. He helps by carrying some of the load and he simply follows the guidance of the lead ox. In this parable Jesus is saying, “Let me be your lead ox. Come alongside me and yoke yourself to me. Then, let’s walk through life together. I will carry most of the load and I will provide all the direction. You just stay next to me and we will do this together.”

That understanding is essential to living the Christian life well. Jesus is our Savior but He must also be our Lord. We must yoke ourselves to Him, follow Him, obey Him, and let Him lead us through life. This is especially important during the tough times, when the burdens of life are heavy. It’s also essential during those times when the way forward is unclear and we’re not sure what to do. The answer is to walk with Jesus and trust Him to guide you.

Whenever we are faced with tough times in life we have two choices: we can be defeated, complain, and do nothing; or we can choose to get on with life, going forward and doing our best under the circumstances as they are. The first choice leads to a sad and defeated life. The second leads to living as well and as fully as the circumstances permit. Jesus wants the second choice for us and He helps us to achieve it. Let Him be your lead ox. If you will, you will discover a renewed sense of hope.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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