Parable that follows a Burden?
Posted on July 13, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, Which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” – Matthew 13:33
Does God give us burdens? Is there a burden that has drawn you to the heart of God that boarders on being considered judgmental or critical? Sometimes I think God allows us to see His heart for His church, and even if there is nothing you can do about it, there’s this connection with the Father that enhances our relationship and we can actually share in His grief. Of course this should also take place in our own lives as we should always be sensitive to the things that God disapproves of.
My burden? The fellowships of the Church.
Now the parable. I recently saw a picture of some friends spending time together with their extended families at a reunion. It brought a smile to my face as all were gathered together, big smiles, the making of life long memories and sharing of the past. But the last set of pictures caught my attention, it was a whole group of family members posing for a group picture, the setting was a boat dock over a lake. The first picture was everyone smiling and saying cheese, the next set of pictures was half the party in the lake because the dock collapsed. Fortunately no one was hurt, so after a gasp, I admit, I did chuckle and gave kudos to the photographer for snapping the after pictures. I perceived that the idea of taking a picture over the water sounded harmless, and even though some may have been skeptical the encouraging words of loved ones and family members were convincing enough to persuade them to join in. Maybe words like, “it’ll be fun”, “It’s different” and “everyone else is doing it, don’t be old fashioned.”
In my recent quiet time with the Lord, I believe He used that snapshot to confirm a burden I carry for the church. There are a lot of “new and different” fellowships springing up that are very disturbing to me, like a bunch of loved ones on an unstable dock. As I shared with some who are excited about this endeavor, I’m usually accused of being judgmental or critical. When the weight of disapproval from fellow believers gets heavy, God always has a way of speaking to me and lifting the burden and placing it back on Himself with a type of parable. At that point I feel a connection with God and am able to direct my prayers toward those who need the truth of the Gospel. I can also rest in the fact that as long as I share my convictions to those in authority and to anyone who asks my opinion, I’m no longer need to do anything but pray.
In Matthew 13:13, Jesus gives one of the most powerful parables that pertain to today. The NLT version says, Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” If the word of God is the flour (bread) then the yeast (pride) that is added to seem to misrepresent the true meaning by adding it.
So, what is your burden, and has God given you a parable to comfort you? If so, share it with those affected and then commit it to prayer.
I realize this post is out of character for me and I would have preferred not to write it, but I did it out of obedience from the leading of the Holy Spirit, thanks for listening.
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 8-9| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “A spiritual Christian should welcome any burden which the Lord brings his way.” – Watchman Nee
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“Hear a just cause, O Lord, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.” Psalm 17:1
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
