Daily Dose of Hope

December 19, 2024

Day 5 of Week 38

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34-35; 2 Corinthians 6

Welcome the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.

Our Old Testament text is 2 Chronicles. This is basically the same story that we heard yesterday about King Josiah. King Josiah came to the throne at age eight. There was something about him that led to Josiah knowing right from wrong. Even with poor parenting, this young man knew to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He instituted reforms that brought Judah back to where it should be. He destroyed the idols and the pagan altars and he made sure that they were once again familiar with and following the law.

Despite this, God did not spare them. By this point, things had gone too far. The leaders and people of Judah had been given so many chances. What God promised to Josiah was that the destruction of Judah would not happen during his lifetime. But it would happen. There had been so many warnings and so many chances. There had to be consequences.

The New Testament passage for today is 2 Corinthians 6. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that there are boundaries surrounding the behaviors of the covenant community. As we have discussed in previous chapters, most of Corinth consisted of individuals who worshipped multiple gods; idolatry and sexual immorality were a part of the pagan existence. Now, people are coming to know Jesus and entering the Corinthian church. This requires a huge shift in thinking about what is acceptable. Paul continues to teach that while they have freedom in Christ, that is not an excuse for behavior that displeases God. They are called to holiness.

It is from that place that Paul tells the Corinthian believers not to be yoked with unbelievers. A yoke refers to the wooden crosspiece that was fastened over the necks of two oxen and attached to a plow or cart that they are to pull. When one animal is yoked to another, generally the stronger animal can help make up for the inadequacies of the weaker animal. Think about Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” When we are yoked together with Jesus, he helps lighten our load and provides rest for our souls.

But Paul is saying NOT to be yoked with those who are not Christ-followers. As in the reference from Matthew, being yoked with someone suggests a close, almost intimate relationship. Do not yoke yourself with someone whose values, attitudes, and behaviors are fundamentally different from your own. Paul is referencing marriage but also other relationships. Do not bind yourself to people who have a worldview that is opposed to your own.

I want to be clear; Paul is not saying that Christians aren't to associate with unbelievers. Frequently, Paul encourages believers to eat with those who don't yet believe and build relationships with those who need to know the hope of Christ. But having an unbelieving friend or acquaintance is totally different from an unbelieving spouse, business partner, or bestie. Set your boundaries.

Blessings,