Are we about to turn the corner into spring? The relatively mild winter and increase in daylight sure have been nice. The warmer temperatures are a hint of things to come.
It might be time to shed some weights. Maybe I can take the sand bags out of the back of my pickup. I don’t have to be diligent about making sure the tank is full of gas for traction weight.
Lighter coats can be used now in place of heavier, warmer ones. At least layers won’t be as necessary. It’s always nice to put winter coats and gear away for awhile and anticipate a warmer season.
The Bible tells us to lay aside the weights that may restrict us from doing what the Lord Jesus will have us do. That passage in the book of Hebrews also says to run with patience the race we are in. We are to look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He will be the one who brings us to victory in this spiritual race.
Astronauts practice maneuvering in a weightless environment. They have to be accustomed to that so that working in less gravity is a familiar condition. I remember seeing a picture of a crew sleeping while in orbit, strapped to their bunks lest they float off. With eyes closed and arms raised, they looked as though they were in a worship service. We can benefit from being weightless as far as worldly worries are concerned and not overburdened with the cares of life.
The Gospels have many stories that are interesting and a bit intriguing. I wonder about the woman with the alabaster box. How long had she kept it? How much did it weigh? What was the cost of the ointment? How did she get the courage to anoint Jesus and pour the ointment on him? What did she think when the Lord commended her for her good work?
Tribute money was the question. To avoid offense, Jesus directed Peter to go cast a hook to catch a fish. He was to check the mouth of the first fish he caught and find money to give for their tribute. What did Peter think when it happened just as Jesus said? Was he tempted to keep the coin as a souvenir and substitute another for the payment? There must have been a smile on the fisherman’s face as he made the tribute payment.
These two stories involve individuals who gave away items that weighed little. One cost a great deal and another was free. Both received great joy in the giving.
What did the apostle mean when he wrote of an “eternal weight of glory”? He compared our afflictions, which he called light and momentary, to that glory. When we consider our afflictions in light of eternity and God’s glory, they can become more bearable. The hardships will end and endless joy will begin. The positive statement of the psalmist in Psalm 34:19 should be our focus, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Those are weights we gladly bid good riddance.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the church services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
