The One Who Lightens Our Burdens

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:16 am Post subject: The One Who Lightens Our Burdens

The One Who Lightens Our Burdens

Scripture:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem: BEHOLD THY KING will come to you, the just and savior: he is poor, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass. And I will destroy the chariot out of Ephraim, and the horse out of Jerusalem, and the bow for war shall be broken: and he shall speak peace to the Gentiles, and his power shall be from sea to sea, and from the rivers even to the end of the earth. (Zechariah 9:9-10)

But you are not in the flesh, but the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you; he that raised up Jesus Christ, from the dead shall quicken also your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit that dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. (Romans 8:9, 11-13)

At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to you, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father: for so has it seemed good in your sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knows the Son but the Father: neither does any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light. (Matthew 11:25-30)

Reflection:

We often pray for better times and better days. If we look at history, we are likely to see that our current time is not the worst of days, but neither is it the best of days. The world suffers daily under the burden of sin. Many are wounded mentally and physically by addictions and selfish desires. The population of the afflicted and less fortunate continues to grow. Conflicts rise from every region of the world which yield corruption, tyranny, oppression, terrorism, and war. We lift up our petitions that God may take away all these burdens and bring to us peace and prosperity within our day. Despite our prayers, all the challenges of the world seem to continue. We might be tempted to wonder, does God hear us?

It is certain that He does. There are many who can testify to the numerous ways God works within our lives. If we will look carefully, we shall see His fingerprints in so many places, but, we might ask, why do the problems of the world continue? Should we raise this question to God, He might ask in return, ?Why do you not use what I have given you?? To each of us, our Creator has given gifts which will benefit those who surround us, but do we use them for the purpose God intended?

When the disciples were unable to heal a certain boy, they asked Jesus why they were unable to do so. Jesus replied, ?Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ?Move from here to there,? and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.? (Matthew 17:20) What Jesus reveals is that if we do not embark on our efforts with faith, no matter the task, it will not be possible, for unless there is faith to an end, no one will work for it to come.

We look to the Lord, but we must also consider that the Lord looks to us to do our part. Part of the reason He created us was so we might participate in His creation. God did not tell Noah, ?Look, I constructed an ark for you.? Instead, God inspired Noah with what was needed so that Noah and his family could complete the task to which they were called. If Noah did not have faith in the importance of the task and that God was with him, then, he would have been easily swayed to other endeavors. He would never have withstood those who ridiculed and mocked him or the rigors of the work. It was faith which enabled him. It was faith by which he was able to encourage his family.

It is right that we should lift up our petitions in prayer, but we must also listen within our hearts for what God asks of us. He may decide to part the seas for us, but it will remain our responsibility to walk the dry land while it is there. He may decide to drive out evil before us, but it will remain our responsibility to close all entrances so it may not re-enter. No matter what God does for us, there is no benefit if we do not have faith and stand to do our part.

The evil one would have us believe that we are helpless. Indeed we are if we are without faith. If we turn away from such deceit, we are likely to be surprised as to what is possible. If we consider all the ways God has worked through the meek and lowly, then, we should see that He may work through us as well.

If we allow His Spirit to enter us. If we allow Him to lead us. If we have faith He will enable us, then, all which is good is possible for us to accomplish. There are those who will ridicule and mock us, as they did Noah, but they do not determine our eternity. The evil one will work tirelessly to burden us so that our faith may be crushed, but there is One to whom we may turn to lift off the weight of our sins.

The challenges of the world may seem impossible to overcome. They are if we do nothing. If we do not know where to start, let us turn to Him, for if we allow Him to lead us, there is nothing the evil one can do to stop us. Every worthwhile journey begins with a step of faith.

Questions for further reflection:

What are some examples of where the humble and meek are called forth by God?

What does it mean to live according to the flesh and how may we seek life in the Spirit?

In what ways do the commandments of the Lord lighten our burdens?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier