Results of the Call

February 26, 2023 Background Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1 25 Lesson Passage: 1 Peter 2:1 -10 The ultimate call of Christians is the invitation extended by Jesus, "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 lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." There is nothing beyond this invitation that is better. No improvements can be made to it. Peter's letter helps us, as Christians, to understand the implications of accepting Jesus' invitation. What Jesus refers to as His yoke is central to the invitation. A physical yoke is a simple farm implement that allows two beasts of burden to share in pulling some type of load. The yoke can also be used to train an inexperienced animal by physically connecting it to an experienced animal. The experienced animal will respond to the farmer's directions and the inexperienced animal would be forced to follow because of the yoke. It is this latter use of the yoke that Jesus referenced. Christians are called into a life of holiness. God does not save us for us to continue to live as we did while unsaved. The Apostle Paul asked the question: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Clearly God expects holiness of all who are saved. We have been saved from the penalty of sin, and yet we still recognize sin's presence within our flesh. God's solution to our dilemma is twofold. First, we have the indwelling Spirit of Christ in us to guide us. Secondly, we have the example of the life of Christ as our pattern. We won't get to where we need to be spiritually with a made-up mind. We need a submissive spirit to the will of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. As we submit to the will of the Spirit, God's desire for us is always made clear. This is not enough to help us who are inexperienced at holy living. That's where the example of Jesus Christ comes in. As Peter wrote, Jesus left us the example of how to live holy. Taking Jesus' yoke upon us allows us to follow the lead of the One experienced in holy living. Jesus' invitation has some wonderful promises included. Jesus said His yoke is easy. It is easier to follow the example of Jesus than it is to try to figure it out on our own. Jesus also said that He is gentle and lowly in heart. This informs us as to the attitude we ought to have as we face trials in life. Jesus is that way because He put His soul in the Father's hands. Jesus accepted whatever outcome pleased God the Father. Jesus had an attitude of submission and it pleased God. Although yokes are designed to share burdens, Jesus said we would find rest for our souls when we are yoked with Him. That rest sounds like a peaceful night of sleep. That rest sounds like living a worry-free life. And it's not complicated because Jesus said His yoke is easy. We slip the yoke of Jesus on, let Him guide us, and He said it is easy. Jesus went on to say that His burden is light. Life can be hard, and problems can seem too much to bear. Trying to live holy makes life even harder and more burdensome. Peter wrote that God has called us into His holiness as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His own special people. That's a tall order to fill, but Jesus is available to lighten our load. When we accept Jesus' invitation, which includes His yoke, we can be what God called us to be. The results of the call will be that our conduct will cause others to glorify God. Robert C. Hudson February 11, 2023