Jeremiah 28:10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the Yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it. Hananiah was prophecying that the Babylonians would return the captives and all the temple treasure and that Israel would be free of the yoke of bondage within two years. Jeremiah knew he wasn’t really giving the people a word from God, but he knew the people wanted to believe Hananiah. Later God told Jeremiah to give a message to Hananiah. He told him that Hananiah had broken a wooden yoke, but that it would be replaced with an iron yoke that was even more oppressive. He also said that Hananiah would die within a year because of his false prophecies and because he led the people astray (even more). So I was trying to apply this to life. It’s in the Bible so there’s got to be something. My thought is that sometimes we carry a wooden yoke because God is trying to teach us something important or to discipline us lightly to keep us from doing the wrong thing (and often, from hurting ourselves). It’s tempting to do everything in our power to escape from the yoke and get free. The lies of the world and, sometimes, of very well-meaning people lead us to believe that surely God wouldn’t discipline us or allow trouble in our lives. Surely it’s a test and surely if we were good enough or prayed enough or followed this special formula (that they’d tell us about, if we’d just donate a little to the proper cause) that it would all go away. That’s why it’s so important to pray and read God’s Words for ourselves. If we do, we’d know the truth about our struggles, we’d know the voice of our Father, and we’d be less likely to be fooled by people. Remember Job’s friends? I think they meant well, but the information and advice they gave him were waaaaay off base (so much so that God wanted to punish them pretty severely, but Job interceded). I know in my life I’ve listened to others or done what I wanted instead of asking God and being patient enough to listen (and be willing enough to get an answer I didn’t want), and that’s always resulted in my situation growing even worse. So, don’t try to break the yoke that God gives. Instead submit, offer it to God (in Matthew 11:30 Jesus says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”) and accept with faith what He has for you. I know I’d rather carry Jesus’ yoke than the yoke this world would give me. Either way I’m carrying something. At least I know that Jesus has my best in mind.