Here is a list of themes in the Bible. One of those themes is that of the Yoke. The yoke is defined as: "a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull."
In the Old Testament, the yoke is used figuratively for severe bondage, or affliction, or subjection ( Leviticus 26:13 ; 1 Kings 12:4 ; Isaiah 47:6 ; Lamentations 1:14 ;3:27 ). Jeremiah speaks of the Israelites being under the yokes of Egypt, Babylon, and Yahweh. Jeremiah 2 explains that we need to be yoked in Gods kingdom. After all, the Kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom. We are citizens, but also subjects.
In the New Testament, the word yoke is also used to get across the idea of servanthood ( Matthew 11:29 Matthew 11:30; Acts 15:10 ; Galatians 5:1 ).
Being yoked under god means we are under his authority and so responsible to him. Yes, the Gospel sets us free, but it is a freedom from sin, not free to do what ever you want. Pastors, stoles represent this yoke, to show they are servants of God. However, for comfort, Jesus does tell us that his yoke is easy and hos burden is light" for us (Matthew 11:30).
People often quote 2 Corinthians 6:14 to say we shouldn't associate with or be friends with unbelievers. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
This doesn't mean to isolate ourselves, but to not be under same authority, tied together going same direction with same purpose.
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