Good morning, it is Saturday August 19th. This is the third week of my treatment cycle and normally I would be getting ready for my next round of chemo, but because I am getting ready to go to Nebraska for a consultation the end of this month, I have a brief respite from my next treatment cycle. For that reason I should be able to be in the pulpit both tomorrow and next Sunday barring any unforeseen complications. I eagerly anticipate each opportunity to preach and thoroughly enjoy the process.
This fall we will begin a new round of 20-20 groups studying The Normal Christian Life (studies in Romans) , Sit, Walk, Stand (studies in Ephesians) and Be Joyful (studies in Philippians). These studies are so vital to the understanding and appreciation of victorious Christian living, I am encouraging every one of our people to participate in these Bible studies. Details will be announced at church for the groups starting in early September. Watchman Nee, whose prolific ministry led to the studies of the Normal Christian Life materials, was responsible for starting more than 200 churches and spent the final 20 years of his life imprisoned by the communists because of his faith and his refusal to stop preaching the uncompromised message of Jesus Christ. He certainly experienced persecution, hardship, and enormous pressures in his life, yet remained steadfast in his faith and walk. He wrote these inspiring words of encouragement and insight for us.
God ... made us to sit with Him in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). What does it really mean to sit down? When we walk or stand we bear on our legs all the weight of our own body, whereas when we sit down our entire weight rests opon the chair or bench upon which we sit. We grow weary when we walk or stand, but we feel rested when we sit down for a while. In walking or standing we expend a great deal of energy, but when we are seated we relax at once because the strain no longer falls upon our muscles and sinews but upon something outside of ourselves. So too in spiritual things, to sit down is simply to rest our whole weight - our load, ourselves, our future, everything - upon the Lord. We let Him bear the responsibility and cease to carry it ourselves.
What a perfect commentary on the verse, Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Note that we are to cast ALL of our care upon Him because He cares for us. For most of us this is easier said than done, especially on a continuing basis. Nee goes on with his exposition and uses this illustration.
The temptation to try is ingrained in human nature. Let me tell you something I have seen in my own country at the salt pits. In China some coolies can carry a load of salt weighing 120 kilos; others as much as 250 kilos. Now along comes a man who can only carry 120 kilos and here is a load of 250 kilos. He knows perfectly well it is far too heavy for him, but although he cannot possibly carry it, he still tries. As a youngster I used to amuse myself watching ten or twenty of these fellows come along and try, though every one of them knew he could not possibly manage it. In the end he must give up and make way for the one who could. How often is it only at the point of utter dicspair with ourselves that we remember the Lord and relinquish to Him the task He is so ready and able to perform! The sooner we do so the better, for while we monopolize it we leave little room for the Spirit's mighty working.
This example also illustrates the application of the verse, Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).
Ultimately, the secret of burden bearing is to transfer the burden to the Lord in much the same way we would transfer a heavy bag to be carried by a baggage handler at an airport, then watch as he carries it away. The transfer can only be accomplished if we yield the heavy bag to him and his control. What cares and burdens are you carrying that you have monopolized yourself instead of giving over to the Lord Jesus to carry for you?
I'll see you from the pulpit tomorrow, Lord willing, when I preach the sermon entitled, Seek to be meek instead of weak.
As ever I am so appreciative of your thoughts, prayers and expressions of love and concern.
Mel Brown