Dr. Rick Mandl - November 9, 2020
Whose Burden Are You Bearing?
Whose Burden Are You Bearing? Devotional Manuscript
Devotional Message by Dr. Rick Mandl at Eagle Rock Baptist Church, November 9, 2020
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
Hey church family. I was reading this week about a construction crew that had been on their job site for about a week when one of their men was hurt and a new guy, named Jason, was hired. Jason was a broad-shouldered, powerful young man and a really good worker. But he was also very annoying. Jason was always bragging that he was stronger than anyone else at the worksite and he especially made fun of one of the older workers named Ralph.
Finally, the old fella had enough. “Sonny,” said Ralph, “why don’t you put your money where your mouth is. I will bet you a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won’t be able to wheel back.” Jason smiled and said: “You’re on, old man. Let’s see what you got.” Then Ralph reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to Jason, he said, “All right, young man get in.”
There are a lot of applications to this story, but it reminds us that there are all kinds of burdens. Some are physical, and others are emotional or mental. The Bible calls us to . . . “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). And the thing about burdens is we never really know what kind of burdens others are bearing.
As I was thinking about that, it reminded me of an event that happened 13 years ago. The date was August 1, 2007. It was a typical afternoon commute across the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, and it sadly turned tragic when suddenly and without warning, the bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River below. Thirteen people died and 145 were injured. Frankly, it was amazing so many people whose vehicles plunged into the river survived. The thing about bridges is, that the vast majority of us never give a moment’s thought to whether or not they are structurally sound. We simply drive across them. It’s such a matter of trust for us that we don’t even consider the possibility that they might not be safe.
I want to challenge you to think of the many people around you everyday, including the people who make up your world of relationships. Most of us don’t give a moment’s thought to what is going on in the lives of those around us. Yet, many people are carrying burdens that few, if any of us, see. Like an unsound bridge that looks normal, but is critically damaged in places unseen, most appear as though all is well in their lives. Yet, some teeter at the brink of collapse from the wounds that have weakened them.
In the Minneapolis bridge collapse, heroes emerged: People caught on the collapsed bridge and rescue workers who quickly arrived at the scene. These were people who courageously put their own lives at risk to help those caught up in the tragedy. It’s a great reminder that we, as Christ-followers, are called to be spiritual and emotional rescue workers in the lives of those around us.
In the New Testament book of Jude, we read, “Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy…” (Jude 22-23, NLT). Today, let me challenge you to do your best to look below the surface of the lives of people around you. Chances are, there is someone you know who needs your support. Through your love and care, you can help to prevent someone from suffering collapse.
There are some things we just can’t handle ourselves. We need someone else. That’s why God has called us to “bear one another’s burdens.” May we be doing that for those around us. Amen.
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
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