Burden bearing is not a fun job, but the camel is suited for life in the desert carrying heavy loads. People, not so much. Too many burdens can break you right down.
The camel is mentioned in the New Testament a couple of times.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Matthew 19:23-25
In the scripture above the way to heaven is compared to the eye of the needle, and the rich man is seen as one who finds it difficult to surrender to God’s will because he has so much to lose. What he thought was the good life was really a burden. It is especially hard to let go of power, status and your worldly possessions if you are rich, to follow the One who has all authority over life and death. Jesus knew the Father, and Jesus knew his people. He made clear that the little children would be welcomed, and that humble people who were burdened by heavy loads and were weary would more easily follow Him.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:25-30
In the verse above God reveals the Son, and the Son reveals the Father. We who are carrying the heavy loads of life are invited to believe in Jesus whose yolk helps carry the burden, and with His grace we can help others do the same.
Jesus wants to give you rest.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
He will not throw cold water on your embers.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. Matthew 12:20
He offers His presence…
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-3
whenever and wherever you need it.
The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19
Thankful for rest,
Laurie
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Question (feel free to journal your answer here) What burdens would you like to put down? How do you plan on resting in God’s Son?
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