Yoked Fellowship: part two

I ended my last blog entry with an opportunity to reflect on the word 'yokefellow', which I had found mentioned in one of Paul's letters...

Philippians 4:3
(KJV) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

(CEV) And, my true partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life.

The word 'yokefellow' is an archaic term for a fellow worker used in the King James Version, however one that refers straight back to The Lord's teaching that I shared earlier. (I also like the CEV translation of 'true partner' which is why I've added it.) Paul uses this term to describe the unique partnership shared between fellow Christians who work closely together.

The Greek word for yokefellow is συζυγος (sunzugos) which implies someone who is 'yoked together', therefore a close companion, a business associate, perhaps even a marriage partner. Harnessed together as a team. In fact, Philippians 4:3 is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. Some scholars say Paul is referring to a person by name (or perhaps a nickname), however this view is not held by all.

It's interesting to note that early-day disciples were sent out in groups of two. These disciples lived together; worked together; played together; prayed together. True partners. They were like-minded, with a common goal, a common enthusiasm. They were there for one another, helping each other, bearing each others burdens. Not judging, but supporting. And totally enthusiastic about their calling!

I get it now. And there's something very attractive in this.

Yoked Fellowship

Yesterday's meeting at the Corps explored the concept of being 'yoked'. It's referred to by Jesus in Matthew's gospel:

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

A yoke is a wooden beam, used to join a pair of oxen to enable them to pull together: this was in common use by farmers around the time of Jesus. I had heard the passage of scripture before, and understand some of the concept about learning from Him by being yoked to Him. However, there was teaching yesterday about us being a 'yoked fellowship' which I must admit to finding difficult, hence unpacking it here.

Being in fellowship together implies that we need to live together, to work together. Paul also uses this example in his letters, telling us not to be yoked together with unbelievers. Understandable, then, because as a team we need to pull together and to pull the same way in order to get things done. The verses are talking about teamwork!

The reference to 'rest' in the above passage may confuse some, as at first glance there isn't anything remotely restful about a yoke. However, it is the sharing of the load that makes the work easier, of far greater efficiency. This lightens the burden; ensures the task is completed more effectively. So, in theory, with all of us in fellowship with Him and with each other, we can all pull together, accomplishing much more than we could as individuals

Reading around the subject took me to Paul's letter to the Philippians, where I then discovered the word 'yokefellow'... which led me deeper into the concept. More later...