A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Today we conclude our study in the Book of Lamentations chapter 3 by considering verse 27: “It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young”. This is not a very popular verse as it has the perception of restricting the fun and freedom of young people. But that is because we have a wrong concept of what a yoke is. It is not a negative drudgery, but instead it is a positive attribute that results in us developing a disciplined and good life with habits that channel our energy and keeps us focused and safe. It moulds our character so we become people who add “value” to society and are not destructive parasites. The sooner we bear the yoke the better before bad habits enslave us and we reap the consequences of irresponsible and selfish living. When we get married our yoke changes as we move together in harmony with our spouse and if we are blessed with children our yoke changes again. When we become a Lord Jesus Christ follower we have a special yoke as Jesus said in Matthew 11v28: 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. Christ’s yoke is not restrictive or heavy, in fact, when we submit to His control we find “the truth will set us free”. He shares our burdens and we plough in a straight line with Him alongside. As the chorus says “He walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own”.
Why is it good to take the Lord’s yoke whilst young? It gives us more time to learn His Word. It gives us time to become spiritually mature. It enables us to serve Him better whilst we have energy and clear mind. It means we will be saved from the life-long consequences of a sinful lifestyle. The list is endless, but the longer we delay being yoked to Christ the more difficult it becomes as we are warned in Ecclesiastes 12v1: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them”.
One of the sad aspects about growing old is being surrounded by people who have no desire or concern about spiritual matters even with eternity so close. Then there are those who have made shipwreck of their lives being the consequences of not being yoked to Christ whilst they were young.
Young people please don’t make the same mistakes, instead take the Lord’s yoke now-it is easy and rewarding.
God Bless. Graeme Greenwood