Chet ח
The eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet is called “chet.” This letter is pronounced like the word “vet” or “met” with the “ch” sound at the beginning being pronounced with a slight lift on the back of the tongue like the same letters have when saying “Bach.” The numeric value of this letter is 8.
Chet ח Prayer Focus: Disciple-Making!
“Chet” is the letter that points toward disciple-making in Christ Jesus. The character is formed by the Zayin and the Vav being connected by a yoke. A yoke is a connection between two farm animals to accomplish a task, such as plowing a field. The animals must work together with a common purpose, or the task will go unfinished and the animals will be exhausted from fighting the yoke and from the strain of pulling in different directions. When they work together, their work is made lighter and easier and much more can be accomplished. When we try to work without being yoked to Jesus and to others, it is impossible for us to carry the burden of the load.
The illustration below demonstrates how a yoke creates a connection between Zayin (the Man with the Sword of the Spirit) and Vav (humanity.
We can see from this that it is the yoke of disciple-making that binds us to Jesus. It is also what binds us to each other. We have a responsibility to one another to willingly take up the yoke of Christ and cooperate in the work that He has planned for us to do. The sum of the letters Vav and Zayin when connected by the yoke, is equal to the value for love. It is this love that compels us to work together, with sincerity of heart and mind, that we might be ambassadors of what Jesus has done to bring us into new life. This yoke of Jesus, this “chet” is one of love and one of grace. It is an easy burden we carry because Jesus has made us new. We are no longer bound by the penalties of sin, but are defined by our yoke to Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians: 5:14-17 NIV
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
What ways today can I lay down my own burdens and carry the lighter yoke of Jesus?
In what ways am I pulling against the yoke of Jesus in order to go my own way?
Here are some scriptures to meditate on as we pray together: (mouse over or click the scripture references)
Matthew 11:28-30, 28:18-20 | Luke 9:23 | Acts 2:42, 20:20 |
2 Timothy 2:1 | Philippians 2:12-13 | 1 John 2:6
Section ח of Psalm 119
Psalms 119:56-64 (NET) ח (Khet)
57 The LORD is my source of security.
I have determined to follow your instructions.
58 I seek your favor with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised!
59 I consider my actions
and follow your rules.
60 I keep your commands
eagerly and without delay.
61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around me,
but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I arise to thank you
for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,
and to those who keep your precepts.
64 O LORD, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!