Leashed Together

In order to take the dogs for a walk when only one of us is available, we have recently purchased a duo leash. This leash has a single handle but a short way down the leash it branches out into two. The two leashes are connected by a swivel link. This link enables the dogs to weave around each other as they walk without the leashes tangling. It enables some freedom for the dogs to wander short distances but always keep on track, led by the person holding the handle of that leash.

Prior attempts to walk the dogs while holding onto both leashes were both humorous and frustrating. Because they are cattle dogs, their nature is to herd and thus they would circle and wrap their leashes around me repeatedly. This made taking them anywhere extremely difficult. A walk for pleasure was not even considered unless there were two people. With this joined leash, a simple move of my hand redirects the dogs.

Each dog has a very unique personality and this applies to their style when going on walks. Kari walks straight ahead with purpose. She pays very little attention to anything but the road in front of her. Although a cat may cause her to be distracted, she pays very little attention to the dogs who bark frantically as we pass their property. Beamer, on the other hand, has not met a mailbox, fence or flower that he did not wish to investigate. Continual nudges are necessary to keep him moving in a forward direction. This leash easily accommodates both styles.

This duo leash is very similar to the yoke that would be put on a pair of work animals. Although the leash offers the animals more autonomy than a traditional yoke, it allows the master to control both animals at the same time. Seeing how easy my dogs walk together under my control reminds me of the statement that Jesus made. “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11:29-30 AMP) By use of this well-crafted leash dogs and adult can now enjoy refreshing walks. These times with the master, whether it be my husband, my son or myself, are fun and not frustrating.

In the above Scripture Jesus says to not only take the yoke but also to learn of Him. The more we study the Scriptures the more we learn about the character of Jesus. Understanding His character aids in learning his expectations of us. When we understand His expectations we find it easier to follow His guidance. After time walking with Jesus we can be directed in the correct path with just a nudge on the reins of His Word.

Understanding it is the Jesus, the earthly embodiment of the God of love, who holds the reins of our lives, we can be free to enjoy this walk of life. Once we become comfortable walking under the control of the master, it then becomes easy to walk jointly tied to another who has also submitted themselves to that same master. Both will be happy to receive His direction. “Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed?” (Amos 3:3 AMP) The greatest thing to be agreed upon is allowing Jesus to hold the reins and chart the direction of our path. This is not by any way a bondage but rather an easy, refreshing way to live our lives. Walking under the control of Jesus allows us to walk in freedom. “In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].” (Galatians 5:1 AMP) That yoke of slavery is bondage to sin and we know, ^“… for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1b-2 AMP)

 We are free to walk hand in hand with our brothers. We do not lose our own personalities or style, but rather join together for purpose with God. In this walk we will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for our souls.

So align yourself to the Word and learn the character of our Lord. As he takes the reins of your life you can join up with other believers who are on the same path and walk together. Although the walk may involve obstacles to be overcome it will be enjoyable in the presence of a companion and the Lord.