"In the beginning…" Genesis 1:1

However, while not much changed on the physical plane, I believe we have entered a new level on the spiritual plane, and we should be considering how we are entering the New Year.

While we all are extremely busy with our lives in the Lord, we should also be at rest in what are we are doing. This is often easier said than done, because it is difficult to give up the things that worry, anger, or stress us out. However, once we do get rid of these things, it is like a weight being lifted off our shoulders.

I remember being in the military and carrying a fully loaded backpack while on what was called a "forced march". We would literally march for 10 or 15 miles at a quickened pace with weapons and full bivouac (camping) gear. I was in my early 20s, in peak physical condition, and this backpack was indeed a burden. After a while the backpack straps would start cutting into my shoulders and my entire body weight would seem to increase. The weight of the load would become a burden psychologically as well as physically, and would drain me almost to the point of exhaustion.

Well, things of this world and the trials that Satan throws our way in this life can have the same impact. The problems or issues of life can be become a burden if we do not get rid of the yokes of bondage that the enemy would love to keep us in. We must get rid of those yokes and take on another yoke.

Yes, we must cast off the burdens of 1999, and take on Jesus' yoke for 2000 because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. How do we do that? What is Jesus' yoke? It's quite simple actually, when one considers what a yoke is.

Did you ever see a yoke? A yoke is a bridle that is used to restrain and guide an animal from going off in its own direction. Oxen are yoked when working in the fields so that the farmer can control its movement. This is good symbolism because when we relate the oxen's yoke to Jesus' yoke the whole picture comes into focus. The Word of God is saying that we who are heavy laden need to take on Jesus' yoke so that we can be controlled and guided by Him. This control and guidance when we are yoked to Jesus comes from the Holy Spirit. The reason we get bogged down with the burdens of this world is because we often forget to consult the Holy Spirit before we act, and we end up in a mess. The enemy seizes the opportunity, and puts a burden on us that becomes difficult and often impossible to bear. But if we can become alert enough to realize what's going on, we can cast off that burden, and "re"-yoke ourselves to Jesus. This re-yoking puts us back under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit, which is also commonly referred to as "walking in the Spirit". The yoke of Jesus also brings along restraint with control.

Restraint is critical in this day and age, because without it we are surely lost. This society is far too permissive, and temptation at all levels abounds. Opportunity to sin is rampant, and the Christian is fair game for any ploy of the minions of darkness to pull us to the other side. Without restraint, and as mortal man in the natural, it's difficult. When we permit ourselves to be restrained by the Holy Spirit we will surely benefit by being guided in the direction in which the Lord wants us to go.

A yoke is also a symbol of service. Whomever you are yoked to is whom you are serving. To whom are you yoked…Satan or Jesus? Who do you serve Satan or Jesus? Who is your master?

Egypt in Old Testament scripture is almost synonymous with sin and slavery. Israel was in captivity and was living a miserable existence for 400 years. God destroyed Pharaoh's yoke of bondage and caused them to "go upright" which means they were set free. They no longer had go bowed over with the burdens of sin and slavery on their backs. God delivered them. But the scriptures following verse 13 warns Israel (and us) about the consequences of not following God's commandments. The message is loud and clear.

So how does this relate to us in the beginnings of the 21^st Century? Things of the Spirit never change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What was stated 5,000 or so years ago still holds true today, If we yield to God and follow His commandments we will have health, prosperity, and long life. If we are yoked to Lord Jesus, we will be counseled, covered, and guided by the Holy Spirit, and our lives will be worry free. We will live stress free and fruit bearing lives because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So as we go into this next century, let's make sure that our yokes belong to the Master…our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Have a blessed and worry free New Year!!