Able to Bear the Yoke?

In the 15th chapter of the book of Acts, there is a dispute among the people as to the question of circumcision. Many of the Jewish believers in Christ (the ones known as Judaisers) demanded that for a Gentile to become a follower of Christ, he or she must first be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses.

Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James all give account of God using them among Gentile populations without the Law being part of their salvation. Peter even reminds those in hearing range that not even the Jews and their ancestors were able to bear the yoke they seek to lay on the necks of those who have genuinely sought out od through the grace of Christ.

Two things to think about: First, I do want to be clear that our salvation is of no effect if there had not been a standard to live up to. The Jews knew the Law, and the Gentiles did not. Whether or not we know the standards, we are still held accountable to them. If I were to drive in another country and could not read the street signs, I would not be let off the hook from paying a fine for making a mistake. Likewise, that the Gentiles did not know the Law of Moses does not make them exempt from the punishment for disobedience. Whether or not we know the condemnation we are under without Christ, we are still in need of His gracious sacrifice.

Second, there are expectations we have as believers that we extend to those who are new to Christ, expecting them to follow a rigid set of rules for "normal Christian behaviour" that is beyond what those who are imposing it are willing or able to do. We have a responsibility to be ambassadors of the grace of Christ, and yet we dish out rules that make the Cross something that cannot be attained because none of us is good enough. Certainly there are t hings that can prove beneficial, and there are things that we should abstain from (see 15:20, 29) but beyond this line of thought and directions from Scripture, we need to stop pressing in our own (double-)standards on those around us.

One final thought: If we are not to push in the rules that are unbearable (unable to be obeyed fully), then what do we give to those who are new to the faith, and what should we live by? I believe the verses referenced above are a good example. If James can answer, after Peter says that they should not put on the believers a yoke that they were even unable to obey, that they should be instructed to abstain from things offered to idols, sexual immorality, strangled things or blood, then it's obvious to me that these things are not considered too much to ask. As I look over that list, I do not see anything that is hard to avoid, especially as they are all things which can be easily accounted for.

So, as you go about your day, remember the price paid for you life and salvation; pin no unnecessary burden on the lives of those who seek your discipleship; and remember that there are things you should definitely keep away from, and ask for help with those if you need it.

Hope this is encouraging to you.