Yoking for What?
When the subject of unequal yoking comes up, often people think about marriage, business, and associations. However, I think much is missed because the concept of yoking is not well understood. A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull as a pair when working; although, a yoke can also be used on a solitary animal.
- Andrea G. Schwartz,
From The Kingdom Driven Family Blog:
When the subject of unequal yoking comes up, often people think about marriage, business, and associations. However, I think much is missed because the concept of yoking is not well understood. A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull as a pair when working; although, a yoke can also be used on a solitary animal.
Jesus instructs in Matthew 11:28-29,
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.
This command is directed to more than one person, since the pronoun “ye” is used. Thus, it is safe to assume that Jesus is directing those involved in joint Kingdom work, to place His yoke (His law) upon themselves in order to work effectively (six days) and find rest for their souls (Sabbath). The only reason to be yoked is because there is work to be done.
- Andrea G. Schwartz
Andrea Schwartz is Chalcedon’s family and Christian education advocate, and the author of eight books including: A House for God: Building a Kingdom-Driven Family, The Biblical Trustee Family: Understanding God’s Purpose for Your Household, Empowered: Developing Strong Women for Kingdom Service, Woman of the House: A Mother’s Role in Building a Christian Culture, and The Homeschool Life: Discovering God’s Way to Family-Based Education. She’s also the co-host of the Out of the Question podcast, the Chalcedon podcast, and has an active teaching schedule with women and high schooled students.. She can be reached at [email protected].