Unsuitable Mixtures

 Gtcotr/ss032226

Sometimes the unexpected is just the unexpected to the unsuspecting.

The Bible, and indeed the entire world, along with life in general is filled with unsuitable mixtures. What do I mean by unsuitable mixtures? Common elements of life, each valuable in their own right, however when mixed together produce toxicity or some corrosive result.

Just because something is true, (always has been and always will be), does not mean you know it.

Romans 10, verses 14 and 15, says people will not know the truth if someone doesn’t tell them. So allow me to tell you the truth this morning, assuming someone listening may not know it … even though it has always been true.

You probably know vinegar and bleach are in most homes, and both are used in various household cleaning applications. What you may not know is that mixing these together produces chlorine gas which is both toxic and corrosive.

Vinegar + Bleach (produces) = Chlorine Gas

Chlorine gas is a dangerous substance which can cause trouble breathing and if continued, lung damage can result.

So – according to the AI overview of incompatible chemicals, vinegar and bleach are unsuitable mixtures. And by the way, there is a whole list of unsuitable mixtures in life, some you already know about and others you may not.

This leads us to our text for today. Turn in your Bibles with me to the 5^th Book of the Bible, the Book of Deuteronomy. I’ll be reading from the Authorized King James Version of the Bible this morning, specifically from Deuteronomy 22.

Deuteronomy 22: 10  Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

Let’s talk just a moment about the inherent differences between oxen and asses. I am somewhat of an authority on the subject having personally owned, raised, and worked with cattle and donkeys for several years of my life. As well I am currently a licensed auctioneer with the TDLR, and have more than 20 years experience selling farm and ranch animals on a weekly basis. Plus, as you will understand in a minute, for the past 45 years I have witnessed what can happen with an ox and an ass when they are yoked together.

The Bible paints the picture of oxen as dependable, hard-working, obedient servants. They might make a mess now and then but that’s nothing compared to the benefit they supply. Thank God for the oxen in our lives.

Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

On the other hand the Bible paints a picture of the donkey as a stubborn, undisciplined, and selfish beast. The donkey is an unacceptable sacrifice to God, even under the Old Testament law of the firstborn.

Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck …

The Bible likens some people to donkeys:

·        Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass crouching between two burdens …

·        Genesis 16:12 (ASV) Likens Ishmael to a wild ass among men. (The NIV says “wild donkey” of a man.)

Let me tell you what happens when you yoke an ox and an ass together.

According to Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary on the Whole Bible

·        When yoked together, Asses continually attempt to bite oxen … it’s their nature.

·        Unlike Oxen, Asses will feed on poisonous weeds that produce toxic breath.

·        Oxen yoked together with Asses tend to turn their heads away from the toxic breath and continual biting.

·        When the Ox turns his head, his shoulders twist, putting only one shoulder against the load he is pulling.

·        When the Ox twist in the harness, the harness is stretched and the Ass is loosed from the weight of the load.

·        An Ass that is not pulling a load will begin to wander, drag his feet, pull back and eventually balk.

·        An Ox yoked with an Ass has to pull the whole load with only half of his strength, combating the foul and biting mouth of the wandering, balking Ass while he drags the Ass along with the load.

·        The Ox that is left yoked with an Ass, smelling the toxic breath, will become sick, weak and if left in the yoke, will eventually die.

I don’t believe God was teaching this principle purely for the sake of the oxen and asses of that time.

How does this principle play into our lives today? Some truths are timeless and even though we may not plow our own fields, nonetheless this truth applies to us today. We find it written in its New Testament form by the Apostle Paul in his 2^nd letter to the Church at Corinth.

The Corinthian Church of Paul’s day was undoubtedly the worldliest congregation in the Bible. Gentiles from all walks and ways of life had gotten saved in this cosmopolitan city and were just learning how to live the Christian life. These people had been world class sinners and Paul loved them dearly. The Church of today can take a lot of personal advice from the words Paul wrote to the Believers in Corinth. One of the truths he told them we find in:

2 Corinthians 6 NKJV

14  Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

15  And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

16  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

17  Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

18  “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”

As we heard earlier: Just because something is true, (always has been and always will be), does not mean you know it. And just because you didn’t see it coming doesn’t mean God didn’t.

There are some unsuitable mixtures in life. How will you know if someone doesn’t tell you?

Well … now you know. Save yourself some trouble and if you’re a child of God, don’t get hooked up with an ass – it’s an unsuitable mixture.

And … if you’re an ass – the Lamb of God has given His life for you … so … give your life to Him and become a new creation in Christ Jesus!

Good news!!! You don’t have to be an ass anymore.

Let’s pray!

One of you is going to raise the question. “What should a person do if they are already yoked to an ass?” The Bible has an answer tailor-made just for you. Until you get your prescription from God, just don’t make it worse.

Addendum:

What Never to Mix with Bleach:  www.turi.org

·         Ammonia: Creates toxic chloramine gas, causing severe respiratory damage and chest pain. Found in some window cleaners, glass cleaners, and urine.

·         Acids (Vinegar, Drain Cleaners, Rust Removers): Produces toxic chlorine gas, causing breathing problems, coughing, and eye irritation. This includes vinegar, toilet bowl cleaners, and some lemon-based cleaners.

·         Hydrogen Peroxide:Can cause a violent chemical reaction, releasing oxygen gas and potentially resulting in an explosion.

·         Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Creates chloroform, a toxic substance.

·         Other Cleaning Products: Never mix bleach with other disinfectants or detergents, as it can reduce effectiveness and produce dangerous fumes.