A Three-Legged Race - Part 1

In the old days, school sports and church events used to include a three-legged race. People were paired-up and the left leg of one runner was strapped to the right leg of another runner. The object was for the partners to coordinate their run without falling over, and beat the other contestants to the finishing line. There would be lots of laughter as many would make awkward progress.

In Romans, Paul discusses our baptism as an experience that unites us with Jesus. He describes baptism as a spiritual unification with Jesus in His death and resurrection. “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection” (Romans 6:5).

Baptism joins our stories with the story of Jesus and gives us a new destiny. It brings holiness into our lives as we become united with Jesus.

J I Packer points out that the “taproot of holiness is love for God and His law, which the Holy Spirit imparts by uniting us to Christ in His death and resurrection.”

We are called to be with Jesus at all times – in the ups and downs of life, in triumph and defeat, through the certainties and uncertainties, and in the joys of sunny days and the sorrows of dark days.

The question is whether we are really united with Jesus. As Dallas Willard has said, unity with Jesus has the meaning of being apprenticed to Him, which involves spending our days with Him. When the first two disciples wanted to follow Jesus, they asked Him where He was staying. Jesus gave them an invitation: “Come and you will see” (John 1:39), and they “spent that day with him”.

To be apprenticed to Jesus is to be with Him so that we can learn from Him by observation and emulation. The Lord Himself issues the clear invitation to would-be apprentices. “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” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus referred to the yoke that was used to bind two oxen together for their work in the fields. Also, a younger ox is yoked with a stronger and more experienced partner. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus promises that being yoked to Him brings relief and rest. Those who are not yoked to Him will be restless and weary from meaninglessly running around in circles. Centuries ago, St Augustine stated that the soul who is not united with Jesus is condemned to be restless.

Discussion Questions:

Take time to meditate on Matthew 11:28-30. Let Jesus extend His invitation and promise to you personally, and respond to Him in sincere prayer and commitment. Discover what obstacles you find within you and in your life circumstances that hinder you from responding fully to Jesus. Share your experience with others.