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Are You Yoked?
A yoke joins two things together, usually a team of animals that pull a plow or cart (cf. Num. 19:2; 1 Sam. 11:7). It often represents a hardship (1 Kgs. 12:4). In the New Testament, there are three spiritual yokes mentioned, two are a burden, one is a blessing.
Yoke of the Law
When Judaizing teachers tried to bind the Law of Moses on Gentiles, Peter said, “Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10). Paul called it a “yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1). Those who go back to the Law of Moses for religious authority are putting on a “yoke of bondage.” Seventh Day Adventists who use Exodus 20:8 for Sabbath keeping are under a “yoke of bondage.” Catholics who use Leviticus for a separate priesthood are under a “yoke of bondage.” Protestants who use the Psalms for instrumental music in worship are under a “yoke of bondage.” Are you under a “yoke of bondage?”
Unequal Yoke
Paul warned, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14). He explained righteousness and lawlessness have no fellowship; light and darkness have no communion; Christ has no accord with Belial (2 Cor. 6:14-15). Therefore, believers and unbelievers have not part together (2 Cor. 6:15). As such, the temple of God does not agree with idols (2 Cor. 6:16). Today, Christians have no business being religiously joined to non-Christians. A Christian cannot donate time or money to the Salvation Army. A Christian cannot condone denominational holiday plays or pageants by attending them. Are you “unequally yoked together with unbelievers?”
The Lord’s Yoke
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:29-30). Instead of a burden, the yoke Christ offers is a blessing. Those who labor under the bondage of sin can find rest. He will help in the struggle against Satan. He will comfort in times of sorrow. All one needs is to join with Christ by obeying His will (Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:26-27; cf. 1 Jn. 5:1-3). Are you yoked to Christ? |
