There are many relevant aspects of the kingdom of God as it is revealed in His body. Here are a few which come to mind. Each of these is important and must be carefully considered in the life of the ecclesia, BUT, there is one that must be positioned far and above all the others for any of them to be applicable.

Introduction

Most folks have an understanding of the word prejudice.  Those of us who were around during the civil rights era can remember some of the intense issues, conflicts and emotions of that time and how they have changed and shaped our culture and society, even today.   We continue to see prejudice in various intensities and manifestations against Jews, Arabs, blacks, whites, Christians, social classes, educational backgrounds, etc., etc.  The fallen world in which we live is full of prejudice, and this prejudice lives on in spite of efforts to educate, motivate and manipulate the minds of the masses.  The racial prejudice of the civil rights era may have changed, but the core issues are still present.  Human differences still fuel prejudice.

My concern is related to another type of prejudice . . . one which is more subtle and in my estimation, more dangerous and far reaching than the other.

Matt. 11:28  "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29  "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.  30  "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 

This scripture expresses the heart of Jesus to His followers.  It has brought comfort and solace to countless pilgrims throughout history, and continues to inspire and help those in need.  Normally, we look at the fact that Jesus was offering us rest and relief from our burdens.  But I'd like to concentrate on another part of the scripture having to do with the yoke or being yoked with Jesus.  To do that, I need to tell you a story ---.

In Matthew 12, we see Jesus being confronted by the Pharisees because HE had (in their eyes) violated the Sabbath by (1) allowing his disciples to pick and eat grain from the fields, (2) healing the man with the withered hand, and (3) delivering a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute---all on the Sabbath.  HE was accused of casting out the demons by the power of Belzebul, the ruler of the demons.

Jesus responded by explaining that "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand."  Matt. 12:25