The Texas humidity isn’t the only thing heavy right now….and no, I’m not talking about the Covid 19 (or 20) you might have put on during the quarantine! I’m talking about your heart!
Many times, the things that weigh us down don’t belong to us. They are burdens of friends, shared concerns, heartaches. We are watching those we love struggle with hurts, health issues, wayward kids, and aging parents. Our educators are struggling with all the demands being placed on them in and out of the classroom. Business owners are facing challenges that they never imagined they would be facing. Pastor’s and church leaders are attempting to lead and meet needs of hundreds, while having a hard time knowing exactly the right things to do. It seems everyone is carrying something extra.
Isaiah 61:1-3 says, The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
If there was ever a time people are crying out for a rescue it’s now. As Christians we have this privilege to share—to the poor, brokenhearted, captive, bound, mourning and the faint. Do you recognize anyone you know in that list? I know I do.
And what do we have to share? The good news. The gospel. We are to bind up, proclaim, open prison doors, comfort, welcome the mourning, give hope and joy where it’s needed and to help people see the exchange of despair and heaviness by embracing the joy and strength of the Lord. It’s all for one purpose. That God is glorified.
There are people all around us hurting. They are facing struggles we do not know. Let’s help them by sharing all these good things they can embrace. Will it be inconvenient? Yes. Will it cost you something? Probably. Will you be appreciated? Maybe not. But the intentional and continuous acts of love and kindness will make a difference in their lives and yours.
The turmoil we see today, is a byproduct of what has been going on internally for years. Only Jesus can fix it. A vaccine isn’t going to fix it. A new president isn’t going to fix it. A peaceful protest isn’t going to fix it. Only Jesus. Only his message. The one that brings lasting peace and love and joy. It’s not man’s interpretation, or a select group of scriptures that flaunt our agenda. It’s the true life-changing power that comes from the glorious exchange of our heavy burden of sin to a spirt of praise and joy in knowing we have a beautiful relationship with Jesus Christ. As Christians, he invites us to be a part of sharing the way. I want to accept this invitation. How about you?
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