Joel M Bradshaw

14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?–2 Corinthians 6

Come to me [Jesus], all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, with emphasis)

1. To be unequally yoked was to put two oxen together that were so different that they would not pull the plow or cart in a favorable way.
2. One ox would be bigger, stronger, or younger than the other. One would maintain a speed the other could not. Unequal yoking produced crooked plow furrow lines and frustration for the farmer.
3. Preachers usually apply this image to dating or marriage. Paul applied it to the church. He made it sound like you wouldn’t put Jesus on one side of the yoke and Satan on the other and expect good results.
4. You are unequally yoked when you compromise your convictions. What comes to mind right now in your life reading that word?
5. What area of your life do you compromise in pursuit of something that is not faithfulness to Jesus? It could be a romantic relationship, it could be your friendships or you at work.
6. This second yoke pictures on one side an ox that is restless and burdened. On the other side is gentle Jesus. It actually is also an unequal yoking, but we are taking Jesus’ yoke upon us. By that Jesus meant to journey with Him.
7. With your yoke you are either compromising or you are finding rest. Which is it in your life? Who is on the other side of your yoke?–JMB