The word for this week is "yoke". We find it in the New Testament in these verses:
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. KJV
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? KJV
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. KJV
This is the Greek word "zugos". Strong's Concordance says: to join, a coupling. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: serving to couple two things together. Of Christ's yoke - not simply imparted to Him but shared with Him. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: serving to couple two things together. Metaphorically of a submission to authority or of bondage. Acts 15:10 is referring to the Jewish believers wanting to force the Gentile believers to follow their Jewish traditions. They had received Salvation by the grace of God and it would be bondage to them to force them to follow empty traditions that the Jews themselves had trouble following. Galatians 5:1 is also referring to new believers following the Law (circumcision) as a requirement. There was nothing wrong with the practices until they tried to make them requirements. In Matthew 11:29-30 Jesus is showing us that His will is NOT that we take on the bondage of trying to follow the Law, but that we should be joined together with Him in carrying out His will. He says that His yoke is 'easy', which is the Greek word 'chrestos', which means: fit for use, useful, virtuous, good, manageable. This life in HIM is meant to be a life of gratefulness, thankfulness, peace, joy, love, enthusiasm, faith, confidence, boldness and power! It is impossible to really walk in our authority unless we can freely accept that provision that comes because of HIS Love for us, with no strings attached! Being "yoked" together with Him gives us access to His Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, His power, authority and might, and His blessing, favor and anointing! I certainly don't mind being tied to HIM in that way! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Let There Be Light":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
