This is what the Lord said
to me: “Make a yoke out of
straps and crossbars and put it on your neck.” Jeremiah 27:2
The yoke
was heavy and it stood as a metaphor for “burden.” Those animals who carried the yokes were
called “beasts of burden.” It was a tool
carried by strong animals to direct a plow or wagon. The yoke, in a way, stood for the future, as
something that was carried over time and directed others forward into more hardship.
The yoke
represented sin and pain. Jeremiah wore
the yoke to show the people that they were carrying much sin in their lives
and, because of that, much hardship awaited them. He prophesied about their destruction wearing
it around his neck in public as he spoke.
In
Jeremiah 28, a false prophet named Hananiah broke the yoke and told Jeremiah
nothing bad will happen to the people.
God responded by increasing the punishment with an iron yoke
(28:14). God put extra burden on them.
God
doesn’t want us living with yokes around our necks. He also can’t promise a life of no hardship. He wants us to be free from the burdens while
we go through the hardships.
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus
promises to lead us during the tough times and taking on the pain Himself if we
surrender to Him. Give Him your yoke by
confessing your sin. The personal burden
will be removed while you allow Jesus to lead you forward, trusting him and not
burdening yourself or others.