When the Yoke Rubs Your Neck

By Marika Marton

I often think of this analogy whenever I sense that I don’t quite “fit,” when I'm not in a place where I’m supposed to be. Whenever I start drifting and going my own way, whenever I disobey God even a little, it feels as if Jesus’ yoke begins to “rub my neck.”

What is a yoke? It's a wooden or metal tool that connects two animals—like oxen or horses—so they can pull a load together. It keeps them aligned and working as a team.

Usually one animal is stronger or more experienced and naturally sets the pace and direction, while the other follows.

Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

By this He meant we must be yoked together with Him because following His direction makes the walk easy. But when we try to go our own way, the yoke is no longer easy, and it begins to “rub our necks.” That is God's Spirit convicting us to get back on the right path (Galatians 5:25).

But what if we don’t feel that “rub” when we start to go astray? Then we should examine ourselves to see if we're truly in Jesus’ yoke, or whether we have already “slipped out of it.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

If we are in His yoke, then whenever we haven’t obeyed God, we will feel that discomfort.

Make sure to be yoked with Jesus and be sensitive to the rubs!

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See also:
Keeping In Step with Christ

Which Yoke?

Yoked but Unburdened