Who Are You Yoked With?

During college, Lovel and I both had a summer job on a horse farm. Part of our responsibilities was to hitch a team of horses to a buggy. It was a learning experience in not only preparing the harnesses, but also mastering the art of driving the buggy while getting the two horses to work together. It was extremely difficult (and often frustrating) when the horses were not in sync and seemed to be on two different paths. Many times, it felt like being pulled in separate directions. The Book of Deuteronomy (22:10) references this very issue, Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. This is a warning of being unequally yoked. An ox and a donkey have different strides, paces, and strengths. This

verse symbolizes the danger of being mismatched in purpose, direction or calling. As Christians, we should not form deep relationships with those who do not share similar beliefs or spiritual goals.

Continuing in God's Word, we read Paul speaking about this in his second letter to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Paul makes it clear that we should not connect or "yoke" ourselves to unbelievers. In fact, he tells us in verse 17 that we are to separate ourselves from them. Like many Christians, I have struggled with this command and how it seemingly contradicts the Great Commission found in the Book of Matthew (28:19-20) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. How are we to carry out Jesus' command of going and making disciples if we are not to associate with unbelievers? The key is in the connection. When two horses or other animals are yoked together, they are bound by harnesses and unable to break away. They are deeply connected to one another, without the freedom to choose their own path. With this knowledge and understanding of how we should and should not be connected to unbelievers, we can then be confident in carrying out our marching orders from Jesus!

Feeling worn out from pulling and tugging on this world? Do you find yourself being lifted up or dragged down by those you have yoked with? If so, I encourage you to unhitch from the things of this world and connect with Jesus. His yoke is light and will give your soul some much needed rest...

Pastor Aaron