Two Yokes

Bible Reading: (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.

There is a yoke of freedom and a yoke of bondage. I know that sounds a bit strange - "yoke of freedom" - but freedom comes with responsibilities. I would choose the yoke of freedom any day over the yoke of bondage. As Jesus said, (Matthew 11:30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. With the yoke of freedom comes the privileges as well.

This particular verse alludes to several wonderful truths to ponder. Not the least is the phrase Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. Here we are told to "stand fast" in our liberty. Liberty's greatest responsibility is in our "standing fast." Human nature is to give it away, to sink into bondage of slavery and dependence upon illegitimate masters. Americans give their freedom up to the government at every election, little by little. Humans forsake their freedom in Christ to do things the old way - as it was done habitually before Christ. We forsake our freedom to pray by not praying. We have a free-flowing spring of wisdom from the Lord (who says, "ye have not because ye ask not. If any man seek wisdom, let him ask it of the the Lord.") Soon we are deceived to think that this discouragement we face is all there is and we are neither encouraged by our faith, nor cheered and confident of victory. We are soon weighed down by it. Our bondage is soon overwhelming us. Therefore, let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

The second part of this verse is about becoming entangled again with the yoke of bondage. The yoke of bondage is not a fun thing to think on - but ignoring it will not make it go away. The yoke of bondage comes when we forsake the privileges of freedom - especially the privilege to turn to the Lord when we sin, and seek His immediate forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We are free from condemnation in Christ Jesus, yes, but the weight of sin can still be felt in terms of guilty consciences. How wonderful to know that this is provided for in Christ, and we do not need this burden or entanglement. Our entanglement with the yoke of bondage is also experienced when we do not take our needs to Him in prayer. He is available to us at all times, and invites us to seek Him for this purpose. We testify to His glory, grace, mercy, and forgiving nature by doing so. We are rich through Christ - for all the power and plenty of Heaven is at our disposal through prayer. We are not poor - through Christ. This is the yoke of freedom not the yoke of bondage.

Let us take up the yoke of freedom and its responsibilities to share it, to live in it, and to rejoice in it. Praise the Lord - for He has, by His grace, set us eternally free from the yoke of bondage! Let us therefore stand fast and not let anyone or anything take away our spiritual freedom.

Bro. Greg