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| Volume 25 Number 10 October 2023 |
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| Volume 25 Number 10 October 2023 |
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The Beauty of the Yoke
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
When troubles come our way for being faithful to the Lord, we sometimes miss the joy and beauty of what is happening. If you are like me, you do not like trials and persecution any more than you would like a sharp piece of metal in your eye! However, unlike metal in the eye, trials that come as a result of being faithful are beneficial and helpful. Nevertheless, perspective is the key to seeing the beauty in these burdens. In Matthew 11:28-30, our Lord invited all who are wearied and burdened to come to Him, and He would provide rest. However, part of that request involves the “taking” upon us “His yoke.” At face value, a “yoke” does not sound too appealing! Yet, if we consider this yoke through the eyes of the spiritual, we see a different picture.
Firstly, the yoke of Christ is a symbol. A yoke was made of hand-hewn wood designed to fit the neck and shoulders of the particular animal that was to wear it in order to prevent chafing and to join two animals together to share the burden.
The yoke had become a symbol in the ancient world for submission. When we take the yoke of Christ upon us, we submit and surrender our freedom and will to His will, but we also join ourselves to the One with Whom we can share the burdens of life! The idea of submission is further depicted in Christ’s words, “and learn of me.” One who is under the yoke of Christ is no longer his own master, but now he has a new Master, following a new set of divine mandates. Sadly, some only view the yoke of Christ as a rules and regulations way of life and fail to see the amazing help that is given to us when we link ourselves to the Master. While the yoke of Christ is about submission, it is also about sharing. If we miss one, we are sure to miss the other. Notice carefully that being yoked to Christ will not remove the burden, but it will give us some relief from the burden.
Secondly, the yoke of Christ is suffering. Suffering is a part of living in this fallen world, for Christians and non-Christians alike. However, the yoke of Christ causes our suffering as Christians to mean something, and it gives our trials real and lasting value. Paul reminded the sufferers in Rome of this when he penned, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17 KJV). Although it is difficult to remember when we are in the midst of persecution, there is a cross before there is a crown (Luke 9:23)! “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him…” (2 Timothy 2:12). “…rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13 ESV). “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days [CROSS]: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” [CROWN] (Revelation 2:10 KJV).
Thirdly, the yoke of Christ is salvation. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 ESV). “Rest” for weary souls is the promise Jesus gave for when we take His yoke upon us. There can be little argument that the rest of which Jesus spoke was ultimately eternal rest from life’s labors and persecutions. To those who had taken Christ’s yoke upon themselves and were neck deep in persecution because of that yoke, Jesus reminded, “…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13 KJV).
When we look through the eyes of the spiritual, our perspective changes as we experience persecutions that come because of taking Christ’s yoke upon us. Suffering for Jesus is not nearly as bad as we originally may have thought. While persecution is never easy, we can persevere, knowing that we don’t have to handle our burdensome load alone. The Lord of glory is pulling right beside us and with us! The key is making the choice to join ourselves to Him. Suffering is inevitable, but it is essential that we suffer for the right cause. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:15-16)!
