Burden Bearing # 2

Burden Bearing # 2

Others are, perhaps, determined from availing themselves of this privilege - through regarding God as being of such greatness and majesty, that it would be presumption to suppose He notices our petty trials and troubles. In the human realm, high office and pomposity usually go together, for those in authority rarely pay much attention to the personal affairs of those under them. But far different is it with the Lord. The One who created the universe - also planted the blade of grass. The One who governs the planets - also numbers the hairs of our heads. The One who is worshiped by the angels - also observes the fall of a sparrow.

The One who holds our souls in life - bids us to cast our "burden upon" Him. It is true that He is Almighty - but He is also our Father. If I called upon the king of England, or the president of the United States, he would not receive me; but he would receive His own child! Cultivate the thought of God's Fatherhood! It implies nearness, access, sympathy, readiness to sustain.

Another thing which hinders many, is the limitations which they place upon the Lord. They believe that Christ bore their sins in His own body on the tree - but that is as far as their faith goes. They trust Him with the eternal interests of their souls - but largely lose sight of Him for their temporal supplies. They betake themselves to Him as their spiritual Physician - but not as their bodily. We read, "Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses" (Matt. 8:17). He took them upon His spirit, entering sympathetically into the condition of the sufferers. And today, He is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. 4:15). Then contemplate Him as the compassionate One who has at heart your temporal interests, who is willing to supply all your need. He is not only a Deliverer from the wrath to come - but a Sustainer in trouble, a Strengthener in weakness, a Succourer in trials. Then make use of Him as such, and cast your burden upon Him.

Note well, it is not "burdens" but "burden" - for we are not to allow them to accumulate. As soon as you are conscious of one - cast it on the Lord, by taking Him fully into your confidence, freely unbosoming yourself to Him, and familiarly acquainting Him with what weighs upon you. If it is the burden of sin, confess it frankly to Him and plead the promise of 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." If the burden of sustenance, anxiety over the future, troubled about meeting your obligations, acknowledge your fear, unbelief and distress, and remember it is "the Father of mercies" (2 Cor. 1:3) you are talking to. If of sorrow, grief over wayward children, or the anguish of bereavement, pour out your lamentations into the ear of Him who wept by the grave side of Lazarus! Then plead His promise, "He shall sustain you" (Psalm 55:22), expect Him to make it good in your case, and you shall prove the grand truth, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Cor. 12:9).

"Bear each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). A very needful word is that in this exceptionally selfish age, when, beyond contributing to public appeals for charity, few have any regard for the needs and rights of others, and when so many of the present and the rising generation are devoid of even "natural affection." True Christianity fulfills both tables of the Law. Genuine piety consists not only of giving God His proper place in my life - but in seeking the welfare of my neighbors. I may be diligent in keeping the Sabbath, singing Psalms, and attending church - but if I am lacking in love to those I profess are my brethren and sisters in Christ - then my religion is no better than that of the Pharisees. If the love of God has been shed abroad in my heart - then I shall sympathize with His children in their varied trials and troubles, be ready to counsel and comfort, and assist them so far as lies in my power. Only thus shall I fulfill the law of Christ's precepts and the law of His example (John 13:14, 15), for He enjoins us to be compassionate to others, and is Himself touched with the feeling of our infirmities. 

"For every man shall bear his own burden" (Galatians 6:5). Needless to say, there is no conflict between this verse and the others which have been before us. There is a "burden" of which we cannot rid ourselves - and that is, the discharge of our responsibility, the performance of duty. For the fulfillment of that, we may - we should seek grace from the Lord; but to be relieved of it, we must not pray. Nor may we legitimately look to our brethren and sisters to shoulder it for us. We are not warranted in imposing on their benevolence, or so trading on their kindness, that we become drones. If a man will not work - neither shall he eat! (2 Thess. 3:10). If he refuses to use the strength and talent God has given him he has no right at all to expect others to come and feed him.

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)