“His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
When Jesus came to earth preaching the good news of God’s love, the whole world was in a state of religious bondage. Even in Israel among God’s own chosen people, the religious leaders of the day had imposed a harsh and burdensome legalistic code.
In Matthew 23:4 (NKJ), Jesus spoke to the multitudes about the scribes and Pharisees: “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”
Our Lord was pointing out the tendency of religious people everywhere to impose upon others a dogmatic and tiresome system of doctrines, creeds, rituals, ceremonies, holy days, taboos, religious practices, formulas, confessions, and prescribed forms of worship and praise.
The Apostle John contrasts this kind of works program with what the Lord really desires: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3 NKJ). Another translation of this last phrase reads, “…His commandments are not irksome.” Another renders it, “…His commandments are not hard to keep.”
The Greek word translated grievous is barus (bar-ooce’) which comes from a root word meaning “to overload.” The Gospel liberates us from a rigid legalistic code of do’s and don’ts. We find from experience that the Lord’s yoke is easy and His burden light. Do you remember the heavy bondage you were in before your conversion to Christ? Now you are free!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.