“Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” (Acts 15.10).
The apostle Peter stood firm against those at the Jerusalem council who wanted to require Gentile converts to keep the Law of Moses. To him, it was a foolish and unreasonable demand. The Law was a heavy burden that even the Jews had been unable to carry. Is there any reason to think that the Gentiles would be any more successful in the endeavor? Of course not!
The desire to oppress others runs deep in our spiritual DNA. Religion is an especially fertile area for oppression because we think we can use God to back us up. Suddenly, it's not just “You need to do things my way” but “God tells you to do things my way.” That can be a powerful threat. Many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day used this tactic to their advantage. The Lord confronted them for many abusive practices but one in particular stands out in this discussion: “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers” (Luke 11:46).
The religion of Christ should never be a heavy burden. We have the words of the Savior Himself to affirm that. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30).
If your religion has become a burdensome and oppressive thing, it is not the religion of Christ.
God loves you!
Mike
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