Daily Word of Grace # 131 (September 15, 2020)
Many years ago I heard a “preacher story” that may or not be true, but it stuck with me…a hitchhiker burdened with an overloaded backpack was trudging down the road with his thumb out to hitch a ride. A kind old man in an equally old pickup truck slowed down and offered a ride in the bed of his truck (his cab already full). The hitchhiker gratefully lugged his pack and climbed into the bed of the old truck. But as they were going down the road the driver noticed in his rearview mirror that the hitchhiker was squatted down, still straining from the weight of his overloaded backpack. When they stopped at the next town the driver asked him, “Why do you still have your backpack on? Why not put it down in the truck?” to which the hitchhiker replied, “I’m just trying to do my part.” Many of us are weighed down by backpacks overflowing with various burdens—stress, regret, fatigue, guilt, pressure, expectations, you can fill in the blank. Jesus gets it, which is why he offers this comforting invitation, “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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” (Matthew 11:28-29). Jesus’ invitation stills stands. He has already taken your part for you…which means you can put your backpack down.
Love and Prayers,
Dave