The Yoke of Men

Man puts many yokes upon his brother. The yokes from him are numerous: living up to expectations, fulfilling his own law, or even assuming God's specific call on his own life is his brother's (to name a few). These yokes are joy-killers. A man may be confident and at peace in his heart where God has him, whether it be a workplace, or a living area or a relationship. It is not uncommon for his brother to come along and place a yoke on him which God has not ordained to be taken up. There are times when this brother is sent to save us from destruction. However, there are also many instances when this brother comes in the flesh, and therefore reaps a fleshly-fruit of bondage and destroys a child-like joy in Christ. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). "Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence" (Colossians 2:23). "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" (Matthew 11:29-30). Let the truth set you free. I encourage all to read these verses in context; not only taking my word for them.
Brother and sister, do not take upon a joy-killing yoke (one that kills Christ-exalting joy) that puts you into bondage to man and his will. Rather, be confident through reading God's Word what that joyful yoke is that Christ has laid upon you.

Exodus 31:1-11 Purpose and Supply

There are two, God-exalting truths that I have taken from this passage of God's Word. One is that God individually made each of us and Himself supplies us with gifts and talents for His enjoyment and purposes. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah' " (= individual and personal!), "and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." (31:1-3). First comes the supply, then the purpose: "...to make artistic designs for work...and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship" (31:4-5). How glorious and encouraging it is for the saint to realize the truth that God uniquely fashioned him or her on purpose! God delights in His work. "For the Lord takes delight in His people..." (Psalm 149:4a). God is not ashamed of you! And, He has purpose for your life. Just as Bezalel, God has made all His children for a purpose. Your life has a purpose!
The second truth from this passage is that God truly does "...meet all [our] needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). I can only imagine that at this point in God's commands to Moses of how He wants the Tabernacle built and sacrifices done, that Moses is having doubts of "How?" Truth: God accomplishes what He wills. If God calls us, He will supply us. Most of the saints have heard this truth before. However, let us let the Word again affirm us that His riches in Christ Jesus are so infinite that He can supply all of our needs to accomplish His will. "Also, I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you..." (Exodus 31:6b). Therefore, whatever obedience God has called you to (love one another, flee sexual immorality, love Me with all of your heart), He will supply you and enable you to do it.

Grace and Peace

Psalm 63:3

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You."