TAKE YOUR BURDEN TO THE LORD
My home church loved a hymn that reflected Christ’s admonition
recorded in Matthew 11:28. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.” In
other words, just as the hymn lyrics suggest, “Take your burden to the Lord…and
leave it there.”
All too often, we Christians conceive
of ourselves as fully capable of carrying challenges and cares that Christ is graciously
willing to assume. Thus, the Apostle
Peter taught that disciples should be found “casting all your care upon Him [on
Christ]; for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)
Unfortunately, we tend to retain burdens (partially or completely), or
to retrieve them once they are allegedly offered at the throne of grace.
It’s a common and troublesome error. Consider a parable put forth by a
pastor in the Philippines; it illustrates Christ’s offer of rest versus the
response of people who find it hard to trust completely. “The driver of a wagon was on his way to
market when he overtook an old man carrying a heavy load. Taking compassion on him, the driver invited
the man to ride in his wagon. Quite gratefully,
the old man accepted. After a few
minutes, the driver turned to see how that man was faring. Much to his surprise, he noticed that the laborer
was still straining under the heavy weight, for he had not removed the burden from
his shoulders.” Honestly, isn’t that a
picture of our occasional behavior? Admittedly,
there have been moments when my actions precisely echoed those of that man.
My friend, prayer
and worry should not simultaneously accompany your life-journey. Remember: God’s grace is sufficient. So take your burden to the Lord…and leave it
there.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and
please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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