Five Senses Under the Yoke of Christ

Summary

Set in the first days of the war in Ukraine, the service opens by urging believers not to be deceived or alarmed by the news. Jesus foretold wars and turmoil long ago, yet God remains on His throne and fully in control, and He never lays on us a weight heavier than we can carry.

The main message comes from the parable of the great supper in Luke 14, fixing on the man who excused himself to go and test his five yoke of oxen. From this the preacher draws an analogy: God has given each of us five senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - and like oxen in a yoke they come in pairs and can pull our lives toward good or toward evil. We are responsible for what our eyes watch, what our ears absorb, the atmosphere we give off, the words our tongue speaks, and the good our hands do.

The answer to a world that wearies our senses is Christ's invitation in Matthew 11: come to Him, take His yoke, and find rest. A young visitor adds testimonies from Bible school - a brother who received the gift of tongues and a long gospel conversation with a Jewish man - showing that even mustard-seed faith moves mountains. The gathering closes by pouring out its heart in prayer for Ukraine.

Key Points

• Do not be deceived or terrified by frightening news; Jesus foretold these things and God is still on the throne.
• God never gives a burden heavier than we can bear, and over time He makes the load lighter.
• Our five senses are like five yoke of oxen - given by God and able to serve either good or evil.
• Guard your eyes and ears, for what we feed on through media and music shapes our spirit.
• Be a pleasing aroma of Christ, creating an atmosphere at home and church that draws others in.
• Use your tongue and hands to encourage and to do good, especially to the household of faith.
• Trade the world's heavy yoke for the yoke of Christ, whose burden is light, and let even small faith move mountains.