I’m grateful God gives us earthy metaphors to help us grasp spiritual truths. Whether it’s using a mustard seed to represent our faith, sheep to illustrate the waywardness of human beings, or salt to reveal how we can flavor and preserve the world—God often provides familiar word pictures to drive a message home.
In today’s reading, God tells Jeremiah, “Make chains and yoke bars for yourself and put them on your neck” (Jeremiah 27:2). A yoke was commonly used to harness oxen as they pulled carts or farming equipment. Two animals would be placed side by side and hoops would be hung under their heads. The hoops would be strapped to a horizontal wooden bar placed across their necks. This yoke would force the strong oxen into submission and labor.
Jeremiah obeyed God’s instruction and strapped a heavy, wooden yoke around his own neck. How strange for a man to harness himself like an animal! The shackled prophet was a shocking picture of what God’s unfaithful people would soon experience. The nation of Judah would be captured, enslaved, and exiled to Babylon: Farewell, freedom! Farewell, promised land! Because of their insatiable idol chasing, God would use Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar to bring judgment. Judah would be forced to submit to a foreign power and to labor against their own will.
Jeremiah’s yoke was a picture of God’s severe judgment, but it also revealed God’s severe mercy. Even without Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion, the people of Judah were already slaves. Despite God’s repeated warnings through His commands and prophets, they had shackled themselves to false, foreign gods and they were blind to the chains of idolatry around their own necks. God longed for His people to recognize this bondage, turn away from idolatry, and return to Him with all their heart and with all their soul (Jeremiah 29:12–13). Only then could they really be free.
We all worship something. We all bow the knee and chase something or someone in which to put our hope. We may harness ourselves to health, beauty, wealth, family, achievements, or even our own good deeds. But worshiping anything other than God chokes the life right out of us. Our idols promise much, often the kind of peace we all long for, even the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28:6). And when the promise is made, the chase begins. Our idols fail to deliver, yet they demand more. As the chase goes on, we become more weary, despairing and defeated. But in His mercy, God interrupts our destructive spiral. He points us to the only one who, when we are harnessed to Him, delivers life instead of death.
Patti Sauls lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Scott and daughters, Abby and Ellie, where they serve alongside the people of Christ Presbyterian Church. Prior to living in Nashville, the Sauls planted churches in Kansas City and Saint Louis and served at New York City’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. A trained speech therapist, Patti also enjoys serving behind the scenes, hiking with friends, and reading good books.
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76 thoughts on "The Yoke of Babylon"
Lord show me the things that I am tied to and worship. That I may be set free and completely given over to you!
Father I want to be harnessed to you. You are my lifeline.
There are so many things I worship, when I come to think of it. I don’t mean to, but I know that I do. And when I think about it, it’s obvious that none of it is making me joyful or free – it’s a downward spiral. I pray I will set my sights on the Lord and worship only Him.
I am a couple of days behind so I have just read this and wow. Mind blown at how relevant this is to our current global COVID19 situation. The question ‘What do I worship?’ is good to work through. I truly believe this time of being less social, is the perfect time to press into God, see what is really important to us and let other things (idols) go. Thank you!!
As so many things we rely on become uncertain during the coronavirus, I’ve become very aware of the way I’ve been making idols of things such as a secure job (which I’ve lost due to restaurants being closed), money coming in, social gatherings, plans for the future (which for me include teaching overseas, which is now looking slightly uncertain), and daily provision (just look at all the people panicking about not having toilet paper!). God has been using this season to make me aware of the ways I have not been relying on Him, not been trusting in Him, and He’s already creating so much change in my heart. I’ve begun to learn to put Him first again. Praise Him.
This season is teaching me how to release the idols in my life. As hard as it is right now it is such a rich reminder that there is only One in whom I can put my hope.
Amen
Lord let me trust in you and follow a path that glorifies you in my life. Help me to choose to do what is right and to always place you first in my life in my heart. Help me to share my love for you with others so that we may leave the world a better place than we found it. Let us submit to you in all your glory. Amen
Lord help us to depend on you only
Such a fantastic devotional!!!!
Lord, help us to be able to discern the spirits. To know Your voice and to be obedient to You. Stay in God’s word church women. Don’t be deceived by false prophets, by people who the Lord has not sent. They have come to take away the promise that God has for you.
To break the YOKE of Fear surrounding the virus:
1. China has closed down its last coronavirus hospital. Not enough new cases to support them.
2. Doctors in India have been successful in treating Coronavirus. Combination of drugs used: Lopinavir, Retonovir, Oseltamivir along with Chlorphenamine. They are going to suggest same medicine, globally.
3. Researchers of the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus.
4. 103-year-old Chinese grandmother has made a full recovery from COVID-19 after being treated for 6 days in Wuhan, China.
5. Apple reopens all 42 china stores,
6. Cleveland Clinic developed a COVID-19 test that gives results in hours, not days.
7. Good news from South Korea, where the number of new cases is declining.
8. Italy is hit hard, experts say, only because they have the oldest population in Europe.
9. Scientists in Israel likely to announce the development of a coronavirus vaccine. God always blesses the Jews and many new medicines and medical procedures are the result of their God-blessed intelligence.
10. 3 Maryland coronavirus patients fully recovered; able to return to everyday life.
11. A network of Canadian scientists are making excellent progress in Covid-19 research.
12. A San Diego biotech company is developing a Covid-19 vaccine in collaboration with Duke University and National University of Singapore.
13. Tulsa County’s first positive COVID-19 case has recovered. This individual has had two negative tests, which is the indicator of recovery.
14. All 7 patients who were getting treated for at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi have recovered.
15. Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid -19 can treat others infected by Covid-19.
… While some of us are scared & freaking out . REMINDER .. it’s not ALL bad news.
❤❤Let’s care for each other and stay focused on safety of those most vunerable.
Credit: Michael Mathis from a post on Facebook
Churchmouse, I was just thinking of the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Nebuchadnezzar when I was reading your first post and then you posted again about them.
Amen Angie, Raegan Phillips, Candy B, Jenna, Maura, Ellen Day
Great ideas Leann Schmitt, Julia
Praying for you Amarose
Claudia check out several different churches when you start going back to church. If you have friends or family that go to church go with them and see what their church is like. I found that going with someone makes it easier and more likely that you will go. I attend with my sister, it has made us closer.
Dancee, money and the things it can buy is a more modern example. Facebook, social media, status, how big a house or fancy a house you live in, where you live and the type of car you drive are all more modern examples of idols.
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 says we should only follow God, God-of-Angel-Armies, the Lord Almighty, the Great Defender, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. My God, our God, is the only, the one and only God, needed at anytime and anywhere. In her devotional, Patti Sauls says, “But worshiping anything other than God chokes the life right out of us.” Oh, how true this is, I have found when I stray from God and Christ my life, my happy fun filled life as I know it isn’t there. My dark depressive days, where the devil has snuck back in, are there. Patti goes on to say, “But in His mercy, God interrupts our destructive spiral. He points us to the only one who, when we are harnessed to Him, delivers life instead of death.” In the days I bring God and Christ into my life I find myself happier, more willing to get things done. more alert. in a better mood. I am sure I’m not the only one who goes through this.
Lord God, help me to follow You and only You. Keep me from the idols of my life. Watch over my family, my friends, my sisters in Christ, the nation, the world, and all of Your creation. Amen.
I think we need more modern examples of idolatry to “drive a message home.” A few were mentioned like health and family but it’s still hard to see how it can turn into worship.
Anything we put first in our lives become an idol—money, status in our work, entertainment, marriage. I think those things can also be used to glorify God, but it depends on where your heart is.
I am so thankful God led me to this study. I read this study alongside my Life Application Study Bible and read the footnotes as I go along. This study so far, has been a real eye opener. I have been a Christian since I was a little girl. I have not been to church in about 2 years but I have remained in God’s word. Lately though I have started feeling the tug in my heart to get back to church. I would really appreciate if you ladies would pray for me and my family. My heart’s biggest deserve is to serve the Lord with all my heart and I know he knows this.
I will certainly pray for you Claudia that you would continue to follow that tug in your heart to go back to church. I know you would feel His peace and love if you do go back even more than you do now. God bless.
Well said, Angie!
Praise be to You, Lord Jesus Christ, for lightening our heavy load!
This reminds me of Matthew 11:28-30, and the difference between a yoke of slavery to sin and idols and the yoke that Jesus offers. In Jeremiah, this yoke enslaves, weighs down and keeps you working for false gods that promise but don’t deliver. It’s like being on a hamster wheel. Running hard and feeling exhausted, but you went nowhere.
Jesus brings up the yoke, but it is one that is light. It is for us who are weary after running after that which does not satisfy. It is living in the way of Jesus, which brings rest to the deepest places of us. Let us break our yokes of chasing idols today and take this yoke of Jesus.
This makes me look at my life and wonder things I am following and giving my attention to that are not Godly, that lead me astray. My heart so easily wanders, and especially with the unknown of this virus, it so easily gets overwhelmed. It’s so important to remember that everything is apart of Gods plan!!
Amarose, praying for you! I am so sorry for your loss. Give yourself time to grieve. There is no right or wrong way to do it. As for your relationship,
My boyfriend and I found a class at a local church for couples thinking about engagement and we’ve found that to be helpful as we discern our future together. Maybe something like that is available for you? There is no need to rush. Blessings to you.
Ladies, I could use some prayer/advice right now. I recently found out my boyfriend and I were pregnant. He’s not a christian. We were preparing to come together and be a family to raise this baby but now this week I found out I lost it. In the midst of grieving this baby, my thoughts on the future of this relationship are tumbling around in my brain and I’m not sure what to do…
I’m so sorry for your loss! Praying for you!! ❤️
Praying for you friend
“But in His mercy, God interrupts our destructive spiral. He points us to the only one who, when we are harnessed to Him, delivers life instead of death.” This is my prayer for my daughter. Through the comments here, I have been reminded to pick up my prayer journal again. Praying that God will interrupt her destructive spiral.
“But in His mercy, God interrupts our destructive spiral. He points us to the only one who, when we are harnessed to Him, delivers life instead of death.” God in His mercy looked upon us with grace and love. Love enough to Harness Himself to the cross to bear our punishment. What Love is this? Please Lord help us pour out your love on this world. Give us eyes to see and hearts harnessed to you in this time. Holy Spirit fill us with peace that surpasses understanding and open my/our mouths to lift up your name Jesus, draw the weary, frightened, hopeless, worn, sinners, all to your feet, to your healing grace. In Jesus Name. Amen
Amen!!
Amen!!
Yes indeed! Thanks be to God!
It’s interesting to see God’s commands given in Deuteronomy and then to see how the Israelites have been led astray by false prophets. It reminds me how important it is to know God’s Word and to commit it to heart. Praying that we would all take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying that God would show us the places in our hearts where we have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator. Praying that we would listen to God, keep his commands, and purge any evil among us.
Amen!
Angie, I agree and support your suggestion!
My sister renounced the faith several years ago and has become bitter and hostile towards Christianity. She has distanced herself from us siblings since our parents passed away a couple years ago. I have continued to text her birthday greetings and send her a Christmas card yearly but receive only a very rare one word reply (typically “thanks”). She is single, lives alone, and has a very good job she can do remotely. On a nudge from the Holy Spirit I reached out to her this past weekend. Just a casual checking in to say I was thinking of her and hoping she was doing OK and was she working from home. Lo and behold, she responded and several texts went back and forth. This is no small thing. Friends, perhaps you will receive the same kind of nudge. To reach out once again to that difficult or estranged someone. Where it leads, I don’t know. But obedience to the Lord, His holy nudge, is sure to bring blessing.
That encourages me so Churchmouse to do the same with my sister. Similar situation. Rarely talk. I will make the effort to do what is right and just and reach out to my sister Peggy and just let her know I am praying for her and her elderly husband and son who lives with them. They really live a very secluded life. I don’t know if they believe in Jesus and His saving grace still. Thank you for nudging me to do this.
Boy the joy that must be in your heart. I hope your connection continues. I pray people can use what is going on in the world today as a wake up call and take stock of their way of life concerning their connection with Jesus.
Great suggestion, Angie! I’ve had the same ideas on my heart. How can we use this historic time, while we have this unprecedented opportunity, to reshape our lives and habits into meaningful ones. Although scary and still full of unknowns, this season we’re all in gives us the chance to reset and focus on what brings us the most joy and fulfillment: Time in God’s word and seeking him, a greater sense of connectedness with family and close friends as we check in on each other more intentionally (ironic, in the face of social distancing), new ways to see and connect in our communities, and maybe some time to clean and reorganize and reassess our belongings and spaces. My heart has been heavy for those who are especially impacted financially and with dependent care needs. I’m trying my best to see this through a positive lens and to hope and pray for positive changes (repentance even) for many who would not have otherwise awaken to the direction they have been heading in (myself included!).
I love all of the insights shared here. Thank you to you all for your hearts. Sometimes I get so discouraged by the seeming lack of deep thought about life and faith, but not here.
Two things jumped out at me in this reading, first, how there is always a balance with God between retribution for sin because He is holy and just, and restoration because He is merciful and loving. The second thing that came to mind with the yoke imagery was Matthew 11:28-30. God had Jeremiah put on a yoke to be a visual for the yoke of slavery but in so doing Jeremiah was carrying out a radical act of obedience and God would enable him in that–sharing the load.
Truth!
Same!
This virus and all of the concerns surrounding it are part of God’s timing also. I am struck by the fact that we are in Lent right now, a time when the people of the Church historically reflects on their lives and see if there is anything that is pulling them away from their Lord. So many of us live in communities that are now shutting down everyday things that we use for entertainment and fellowshipping. We are being forced to reflect on how these things have affected our lives. I heard a pastor who challenged his church to use this time to think about their current habits and see how they align to what Christ calls us to do or be as Christians and then if anything needs to change to use these 30 days of social distancing to do just that, to form new habits that will draw us nearer to our Lord. That is what I am praying for myself, my loved ones, my students and their families. That is what I pray for and challenge you to do, my SRT sisters in Christ. God bless!
Excellent perspective! Thank you Angie M.
Thank you for that perspective. I have been thinking along the same lines. I believe the Lord allowed this to happen during this time so we could really have the time to reflect on our lives. I know that I can already see that I have been finding false security in the things of this world. I have beloved that doctors and our government could protect us from things like this. In times of trouble maybe I have relied too much in the people around more instead of on God. I do hope this won’t last too long and that people are kept safe from this virus, but I see God working in this time.
Thank you for sharing!
So very true…
Amen! I have had these same thoughts/ revelations. This is also my prayer for myself and others around the world.
More good news: there is hope for the Nebuchadnezzars of our world. Because of the Babylonian captivity, Nebuchadnezzar met Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It’s important to read the rest of the story in the book of Daniel, especially chapters 1-4. In Daniel 4: 34-37 Nebuchadnezzar praises God. Who would have thought that possible? Dear sisters, never give up on the Nebuchadnezzars in your life, those who seem to have hard hearts towards God. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. Perhaps someone today will speak the truth that will prick their heart and mind. Perhaps today will be the day of salvation for them.
Amen!!
Jeremiah tells us that the Lord “placed all these lands under the authority of my servant Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.” As powerful and blood-thirsty as Nebuchadnezzar was, and though his conquests were far and wide, he was still a servant of the Lord. His authority was not his own. He was under the authority of the God of Israel, though he surely didn’t recognize it. God gave him authority and God would take it away. Nebuchadnezzar may have thought he was in control of his own destiny but he was not. God had a purpose for the king of Babylon in relation to Israel. God also had a purpose for Babylon and its king after Israel’s captivity and exile – utter destruction. God would not let Nebuchadnezzar go unpunished.
In this day and age we would do well to remember that every thing and every one is under the authority of God Most High, the great I Am. He alone deserves our allegiance and our obedience. We need not fear because He loves and cares for His people. Though we may not fully understand what His plan is or why things are happening the way they are, God knows exactly what He’s doing. He is our strong tower, our shelter in the storm. He will get us home with Him. He has prepared a place for us. All things are under His control and in His timing. He will be faithful to judge and enact justice on the wicked. He will love and care for us to the end of the age. He will escort us through our journey here and straight on into eternity. He will never leave us or forsake us. This promise comforts and encourages us in such a time as this, and for times yet to come. Let us share this good news.
Well-stated!
So good! So, so good!
Love reading your response everyday! ❤️
Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Reading the Word today and how God used Nebuchadnezzar in His plan to bring His people back to Him was confirmation to something I was praying about yesterday. God is in control of everything and He will use who He will to accomplish His plans and purposes. This truth gave me such peace as I had been fretting over a situation with two of my sons.
Thank you for also sharing this truth!
I am consistently amazed at my own wandering heart. Just as soon as the Lord reveals one of my idols to me, and I think I have this whole “loving stuff more than God” thing licked, I find my wayward heart drawn to something else. Idolatry can be loud and in-your-face at times, but it can also be subtle and quiet and slip into our worlds unseen.
With the current situation, our idol of control is being ripped from our grasp as we realize that, in mere moments, what we believed would be is not anymore. Our illusions of control and order are quickly dashed as our world begins to shut down around us, and for some, it has maddening effects. But that’s how we respond when what we trust in more than God is lost to us; we get upset and angry, anxious and sad.
One of my biggest idols is comfort. I look to so many things and people to provide me with what only the Lord, the God of all comfort, has promised me. I cannot find my peace in tv, my husband, or that slice of strawberry cheesecake topped in chocolate, but I sure do try. Yet, the Lord is slow to anger and full of mercy, and again and again,He patiently works in my heart and life to show me just how empty and vain all of those things are. He lets my idols disappoint…not because He finds joy in my sadness, but because He loves me enough to lead me to Himself–the only One Who can ever truly satisfy.
Amen!! You worded it so much better than I ever could, but this is definitely one thing God is teaching me right now!
This was exactly what I needed to be reminded of today. After checking my phone this morning and seeing the panic my “control” was ripped right out from under me and my mind took all the what if’s and threw them in my face. But this was such a timely reminder that control is an idol and that I needed to turn my attention to God. Instead of being fearful I needed to turn my attention the the fearless. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Thank you, Raegan! Your reference to the idol of control really resonated with me this morning. This time has certainly brought to the fore the hollowness of my pursuits to control. What a contrast to the blessing and peace that is found in the Word!
Very well said!
So very true.
Your words resonate with me today, thank you for sharing so eloquently.
Such good truth you shared, Raegan. Thank you. I too can relate to the idols of control and comfort.
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. Matthew 11:28-30
On my own, I am powerless.
Yoked of this world, I am captive and confused.
Yoked to Jesus, I find rest.
Hope for tomorrow.
Mercy for today.
Strength for this moment, and
Peace for the journey.
He created me to be yoked to Him.
His yoke lightens my load and carries my burden.
It is Life eternal.
Praise God! Nothing without You, as it should be. We are so blessed.
Amen!
Love this!
Yes and Amen!
Amen, Angie. Thank you.
Amen. Thank you, Angie.
Amen
The Bible app has the same verse above in the devotional as the verse of the day: You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
I never really thought of the people being exiled as God’s mercy. But from this teaching and listening to the She Reads Truth Podcast, this makes sense. I wasn’t thinking of how the people were already in bondage to their idols. Also, the ladies discussed in the podcast that Scripture tells them to serve the king in a foreign land, grow gardens, have children. They were called to be a light for God while in exile. I had never noticed that! God is good even when disciplining His children. They needed it, and God was doing this for their good. Please forgive me, Lord for my weaknesses and failures. Help me to live a life pleasing to You was in Jesus’ Name Amen.
By the way, please listen to the She Reads Truth podcast. They do a great job explaining some of what we are reading.
I agree!!!
What a great reminder that our God is in control. People can say whatever they want about what is happening now, but truly only God knows. I’m trusting in Him through this time.
Praying for all of us affected by this. Let us stand strong in our trust in Jesus.
Lord, may some good come of all this hurt and uncertainty. Praise your name.
Hananiah sounded quite prophetic….except it was all lies. Please Lord, in all days and especially in these days of uncertainty and rapidly changing virus related developments, give us your wisdom to see and know the difference between the Hananiahs and the Jeremiahs.
Amen!
Amen!
Amen. I was just praying the same thing.
Whew! Amen.
Yes! I was praying the same thing! Lord, give us discernment to know truth from lies.