Post 38 / The Next Language
March 29, 2021
A Yoke That Fits
I recently heard of an early church tradition that claimed that the carpenter’s shop that Jesus and Joseph worked in in Nazareth had a shingle out front that said, “Our Yokes Always Fit.”
I found that very inspiring. I also found it appropriate to the relationship between Christians. Through friendship, praying for each other, donations to full time workers, congregational fellowship and encouragement, we come into relationships that link us as if we were yoked together in God’s family here on earth. God’s guidance to us through such relationships to a large degree guides what we do because we exist in bonds of love one with another.
Since hearing about this early Church tradition I will never see Christ’s own declaration in Matthew 11:28-30 quite the same:
Come unto me, all that labor 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Most importantly of all, we are yoked with Jesus Himself. He makes service for Him possible as we walk, linked with Him through joy and sorrow, mountain top and valley. As the all-knowing Carpenter, He fashions a yoke for each one of us that fits perfectly to our individual nooks and crannies, bones and muscles. Yoked with Him, we can face this life.
Is it possible that the shingle on the carpenter shop said, “My Yoke Is Easy”? Interestingly, the Greek word for “is easy” is chrēstos. Is it a coincidence that is just one letter difference from christos, the Greek word for Christ?
God Bless,
Larry DeVilbiss | Executive Director
Global Recordings Network USA
P. S. As a “thank you” for your continued support of the ministry of Global Recordings Network USA, and in celebration of over 80 years of God’s faithfulness, we have compiled a collection of 80 daily devotions written by GRN founder, Joy Ridderhof. You may read or download your copy of Rejoice Always – 80 Devotions with Joy Ridderhof here.