Who shall carry the burden of the Lord?
Moses led Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. God parted the waters via the rod in Moses’ hand. It was the pinnacle miracle in the history of Israel; even to this day. The second crossing did not garnish as much fame. Joshua led the people through the flooding waters of the Jordan River. By instruction of the Lord, men carried the Ark of the Covenant into the river and stood in the middle. The waters rolled back and the people passed through. The Bible states that they held the Ark until all of Israel crossed over. This heavy, golden layered box filled with the stone tablets of the Law, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s budding rod was carried by certain men.
On His way to Calvary, Jesus stumbled through the cobble-stoned streets of Jerusalem; His cross too heavy to carry alone. Simon from the upper region of Africa helped the Lord carry the heavy crossbeam. The estimated weight was about 80 lbs. – too much for our physically depleted Lamb of God.
The disciples were given instructions concerning the Gospel, it was clear that they were to carry the message to the people. Every nation needed to hear about The Way. The message of Acts 2:38 was the burden of the early church. It was their sole purpose; their only cause.
Jesus saw the multitude as sheep without a shepherd and had compassion on them. The burden of the Lord lay heavy on His heart. He spoke of the lost sheep of Israel and the nations of the world. His death, burial, and resurrection was the Gospel message. Jesus said that the field was ready, but the laborers were few.
The burden of the Lord is for us to carry. His Spirit brings deliverance, anointing, and understanding. Without it we have nothing but ceremony.
The anointing breaks the yoke which binds the hearts of men. We must keep His Holy Ghost alive in our lives. His Gospel is the only saving message, but who will deliver it to the lost? It is not enough to hear the message of John 3, it must be shared. Jesus said that a person cannot enter Heaven without being born again of the water and the Spirit. Peter wrote that baptism saves us. Paul said that the only way to be raised with Christ is to be baptized into Christ.
I feel the burden of the times; the pressing of the last day. Our community, families, and friends weighs heavy on my spirit. I cannot escape it. My description is found in the scripture itself: “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” I pray you will join me in carrying the burden of this house and of the Lord.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole