Take My Yoke
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 NASB
Bond – Syndesmos is the Greek combination of words that mean “together” and “band or shackle.” We might think of this word with the imagery of a chain. Each link is welded together with the next. The “bond” is only as strong as its weakest link. This all seems quite ordinary.
Until we connect this idea to two others: peace and yoke.
First we must recognize that Paul’s concept of peace is tied to chains, not freedom. To preserve the unity of the Spirit, we must be chained together. Those seeking freedom from obligation are not suitable for unity of the Spirit. They are, in fact, opposed to God’s exhibition of unity, found in the community that embraces the Spirit of the Lord. In the Bible, freedom is a function of voluntary obligation, not individual liberty. The biblical concept stands in utter opposition to our culture of indulgence even if that indulgence is laced with spirituality.
Once we realize that freedom comes in chains, then we are prepared to understand Yeshua’s statement about the zygos, the yoke. A yoke not only ties us to Him, it shackles us to each other. The yoke is the implement of peace, the equipment of the saints. Just as Yeshua exhorts us to take His yoke and find rest, Paul reminds us that the bond of true fellowship is the unity of mutual obligation. And, of course, this is one of the meanings of that great Hebrew word hesed.
Do you think of chains when you think of peace? Do you see yourself as handcuffed to the Spirit, shackled to the truth? Do you rejoice in your obligations toward others? Do you know what it means to be bound to the Lord? Does your desire to serve Him result in yoking yourself to another?
Unless you can answer these questions with affirmation, you probably haven’t left the world of Greek “freedom” behind. There is no unity without the clank of metal or the feeling of restraints.
Topical Index: bond, syndesmos, yoke, zygos, peace, freedom, Ephesians 4:3
What a beautiful freedom this is!
Freedom depends upon which Master we are chained to!
~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ~(Philippians 1.2)
We will never experience His peace until we experience His grace.
Skip,
Thanks for this insight. I went through a year of frustration as a pastor wondering if the Body of Christ would ever agree with the mutual yoke principle. Being part of the Body is a marriage that changes every other relationship,, circumstance, and purpose. I am part of an denomination that has the word “Independent” in it and I wish it wasn’t so. That word refelcts the general outlook of many believers and it is a catch all for personal satisfaction without submission to God or each other. The last time I looked the Bible said the Spirit of truth will lead us according to God’s will and purpose. Together the church will move according to the Holy Spirit, the Word, and with Christ at the Head.
Rodger
PS – You are appreciated
Skip I love your word pictures. This one reminds me of the word echad.
The God of the Hebrew was seen as the older ox that is yoked to His people in a covenant
Hebrew Ancient Modern
Image Ox Head
Meaning Strong, Power, Leader
Name Al Aleph
Sound ah, el Silent
I love this concept. Biblical freedom was often defined as the “freedom” to obey God. It was a freedom to follow His rules.
Example #1 – When Moses and Aaron requested to Pharoah that they be allowed to go into the desert and sacrifice. They wanted freedom TO sacrifice, to be obedient to God.
Example #2 – When Daniel requested to be ‘free’ from the Kings rich foods. This is the opposite of what we think of as freedom — freedom to abstain from something yummy!
When ‘God’s People’ used their freedom for licentiousness — he gave them over to bondage (e.g. Babylonians, ect) — but in essence, He drew them closer to obedience and True Freedom. Pardon the comparison, but I think of Israel in captivity was like a drug-addict in jail. They were more likely to get clean, even in the imperfect and harsh environment.