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We have arrived at these closing verses of Galatians Chapter 4, where Paul speaks about being ‘persecuted’. What does the Bible say – verse 29 - "It is the same now!"

All this has arisen because of his references back to Ishmael and Isaac in the times of Abraham and Sarah.

Going back to the Middle East situation - Ishmael should never have been born.

As we look at the situation from the viewpoint of the Word of God this birth was not part of the plan of God, and, since he was born there has been tension and antagonism. Since he was born there has been bullying and persecution and tension and fierce antagonism - between these two sons and their descendents.

Those who are born of the flesh are jealous of those are born of the Spirit.

Those who are only born naturally will have a problem with those people who have been born again supernaturally and miraculously by the Holy Spirit. They cannot get on together. Might that help you in some local or even family scenario?

The one says - Do you know who my father is?

The other says - Do you know who my mother is?

Paul sees people wanting to go back into all that - and fall away from the mercy and grace and power of God. In Genesis there had to be a separation.

Verse 30 underlines and teaches this fact. They could not get on. They had to part. They had to be separated.

This is the real divide going through the whole of society - Are we only born of the flesh - or have we been born again of the Spirit? Are we children of disobedience - or are we children of God through Jesus Christ?

There are things in our lives from which we have to be delivered and set free - they should never have been there in the first place - but they got in.

But it is possible to get them OUT, through the power of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Holy Spirit.

This is why Paul sums it all up in Jesus in the open words of Chapter 5. We are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman.

These words are worth proclaiming. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

What we proclaim is important. What we say is vital. What comes from our mouths indicates what is in our hearts.

Many of the new songs are about Jesus Christ being Lord and King - they are about adoring and worshipping.

Do you see why Paul pleads with these disciples - those of you who want to go back to former ways - do you really realise what you are asking for - the bondage - the slavery - the limitations - the weak and miserable principles?

He appeals to heart and head - Stand firm. Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery!

Matthew 11 verses 28,29 come to mind. Come to me - I will give you rest - take my yoke upon you - learn from me - I am gentle and humble in heart. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.

It is still a yoke. It remains a burden. It is ‘around your neck’ as you walk with Jesus Christ through life – but there is freedom - under the yoke of Jesus Christ – and it is perfect freedom.

What He owns He will care for. If it gets sick He will heal it. If it breaks down He will do a repair job.

What He owns He will protect and preserve and guide and use – the up and down the field.

We do not understand everything.

Come – work with the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. Come – continue to serve as faithfully as you know how. Come – and willingly obey whatever God asks of you and calls you to do.

Come - put your head in the yoke!

“Lord Jesus, as I place my head in the yoke, may I realise and know that I am walking with You. It is still a yoke, but it is good to be yoked with You. Amen.”

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

3 steps to peace...