p. 5 | THE YOKE OF CHRIST

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Aug 23, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 34.

THE YOKE OF CHRIST.

A YOKE signifies servitude, but it does not necessarily mean irksome labor or degrading, menial service. That depends altogether upon whose yoke one wears. The yoke of Satan—which means self-service, or labor to please men—is a very heavy, galling yoke. The reason is, one has to bear the burden himself; no one cares to lighten it for him. It is all labor, wearisome labor, with no help. The yoke of Christ on the contrary, not only signifies service, but it implies help in that service, with loving, sympathetic companionship. Whoever wears that, is yoked up with Christ—not simply under Him. It was being yoked with Him that enabled Paul to say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." It is trying to do without Him that makes the yoke of life heavy; for He says, "Without Me ye can do nothing." So the yoke of Christ lightens the burdens of Christ in this sin-laden, wearisome life. Hence the wisdom of His counsel: "Come unto Me, all ye 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."