I’m sharing something a little different today.  Instead of a humorous story, my thoughts are based on a humorous picture.  Unfortunately, you can’t see the picture and will need to use your imagination:

The picture shows a Volkswagen Jetta that was photographed in November of 2000 in Waldorf, Maryland by a Transportation Supervisor for a company that delivers building materials.  When he saw this car in a parking lot, he went and bought a camera to take pictures.

The car was loaded both inside and on top with enough building supplies to build a small house!  In the back seat were 10 bags of concrete, each weighing 80 lbs. On the roof were a large number of 2X4s, 4X4s and plywood sheets.  Police estimated the load weight at 3000 lbs!  The weight of this load, however, had an effect.  Both back tires were trashed and the back shocks were driven up through the floorboard.

The driver of the car said he was headed to Annapolis.  It’s obvious, though, that he couldn’t have made it out of the parking lot, much less 40 miles up the road!

The picture is symbolic of many people in their relationship with God.  They carry a tremendous burden around with them.  There’s the burden of sin, the burden of guilt and shame, the burden of life’s trials, and the burden of trying to meet the expectations of others.

Sometimes people will turn to religion for relief, only to find that an even heavier burden is placed on them — the burden of keeping a long list of man-made rules and regulations.  As Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You load men with burdens hard to bear.” (Luke 11:46)  Eventually, your spiritual life can begin to resemble the automobile described above.  It’s hard to think about any long-range goals.  You feel like you’re doing well just to carry the load for one more day.

There is a solution, though.  Jesus Christ came into this world to bring relief.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

The choice is yours — to try to carry an unbearable burden, or to come to the One who can lighten that load.  May you find the relief in Him that you desperately seek!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith