Call Me Syzygus

In Philippians 4:3, the Great Apostle addresses a local believer asking his assistance in settling a dispute between two women of the local congregation. He refers to this person as “Syzygus”, translated as “loyal yokefellow.” From the context we know not whether this is the man’s actual name or a mere pseudonym (nickname). Regardless, Paul counted him among the most reliable and intimate members of his team on the ground in Philippi. The reference of course is to that of an ox yoke in which two oxen or draft animals are united as a joint team to pull heavy loads or drag plows through difficult soil. The yoke binds them together so that they must work together to accomplish the ardent tasks that are placed before them. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus reflected, “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.”” It is an invitation to “get into the yoke with the Master,” learning how He does it. I love the paraphrase of this verse by Eugene Petersen in The Message Bible, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”” My goal, my everyday desire is to do exactly that. Get into the yoke with Jesus, learn how He does it and enjoy the “unforced rhythms of grace” in a yoke that is both “fitted” and light. Jesus was a carpenter by trade in the early years of His life and likely custom fit many a pair of oxen in new yokes. It is said that there was sign over the door of the Carpenter’s Shop in Nazareth that read, “My Yokes Fit Well.” From now on, call me Syzygus.