Plowing Straight Furrows for Christ’s Gospel
6/17 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 22; Psalms 110-111; Isaiah 49; Revelation 19
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6/17 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 22; Psalms 110-111; Isaiah 49; Revelation 19
Deuteronomy 22:10
“You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.”
UNEQUAL
Here is a very practical truth for an agricultural society, which should appear rather obvious to farmers and tillers of the ground. An ox and donkey differ in physical stature and temperament. Physically, an ox is bigger than a donkey, and thus, the donkey would bear a greater part of the weight. Moreover, the stubborn nature of the donkey may cause the animal to sit right where it is rather than pulling when prod. Why then is such a thing included in the law? It has gospel implications, of course. Paul, no doubt, referenced this verse in explaining that we should…
…not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
The ox is a clean animal whereas the donkey is unclean, according to Leviticus 11. We must recognize that our service to Christ, and our worship of Christ, should not be unequally yoked, bound, coupled, or tied together with those who do not believe— those who are not saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Moreover, we should not adopt the unscriptural, worldly methods, devices, and “ethical” philosophies of the unbelieving world. Although some of those worldly methods may appear to be logical, or even somewhat effective on the surface, they will not advance the kingdom of heaven, neither honor the gospel, nor exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. A heavenly end must always be acquired by holy and heavenly means. While this might appear to be the responsibility of the pastors, elders, and deacons, it is actually the responsibility of every child of God who is a member or attender of a local church. God’s wisdom in Christ will keep us plowing straight furrows with the Word of truth, thus blessed by God’s approval (2 Tim 2:15). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
An ox and donkey must not plow
As underneath one yoke;
Yet much more blest, this shows us how
This blasphemes gospel hope.