The yoke is on You

Read Jeremiah 27.

According to Babylonian historical records, it was in the summer of 593 B.C. when a group of countries discussed a rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar.  The leaders of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon met with the king of Judah in Jerusalem.  What this political convention failed to realize was the reason why the Babylonians invaded and who was really in control.

The cause was due to Judah's refusal to repent of their sin.  Further, it was God who raised up Nebuchadnezzar to implement His judgment against this region of nations.  With that spiritual perspective, this meeting proved to be truly a rebellion against the LORD Himself.  So, God sent Jeremiah to tell them.

In dramatic fashion, He ordered Jeremiah to dress up for the occasion.  He strapped a yoke to his neck, like an ox controlled by the rein of its owner.  The message was simple.  God had given Nebuchadnezzar the reins.  If these leaders refused to serve the Babylonian king, then God would have to use stronger measures of punishment against them-sword, famine, pestilence.  The safe decision, the wise thing to do, would be to surrender completely to the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar as discipline from the LORD.  It would be to their benefit to do so.

Feeding the rebellion were false prophets.  They encouraged the people not to listen to God's word and to respond with self-determination and independence.

Do not miss the basis of the message from God in verse 5.
1. God is the Creator of all things.
By His own power, He made the earth and all that is upon it.  The earth did not happen by accident.  Genesis 1 describes His process of separately creating light, air, plants, animals and humans.  He spoke them into existence: "And God said...and it was so."  These things belong to Him as His property.  The false prophets preach the survival of the fittest, "we got here by ourselves," and other messages in rebellion against the exact words of God to their own peril.

2. God is the Controller of all things.  
He gives His property for a time "to whomever it seems right to me."  Nations are allowed to live on God's real estate for a period of time.  Leaders are allowed to be in power for only a number of years, "until the time of his own land comes.  Then many nations and great kings shall make him their slave." (v.7)  There came a time when the great Babylonian Empire fell to the hands of the Medes and Persians.  It is the LORD Himself who claims to sovereignly decide such things according to His own will and purpose.

This message is a good personal reminder.  We are not here by some biological accident.  Our lives have a God-given purpose.  The safe, wise, and personally beneficial response is to yield ourselves to what God has for us to be and to do.  Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly n heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)