There is a burden that we shoulder as we leave on year behind and enter a new year. The burden of the past is guilt, shame, and regret. Things we did that we shouldn’t have. Things that are wrong about us and our lives. And things that are neither good nor bad, but we wish had been different. As one year ends, we get a serious case of the “shoulda, woulda, couldas.” The past is a burden that haunts us.
Likewise, the future is a burden that taunts us. The unknown future beckons to us with imagined challenges , obstacles and hurdles in our path. It shouts at us regarding our inadequacies and weaknesses to face it. The future is a burden that shouts at us too. We may even crumble into crippling worry.
There is a burden that faces us, but only One who carries it. Did you notice I capitalized that “o?” I did that on purpose. There is One, and his name is Jesus. He was given to us, even for us, so that the government, the rule and dominion of all things - even our lives - might be on his shoulders. He shoulders the load and does so in such a way so that we only have to live out our lives, and he handles the rest. He shoulders the load of our sin to the cross so that no longer do guilt and shame haunt us. He alone knows the future and rules it still for our good. He is the Prince of Peace.
This Sunday, we will leave the past in the the past; it is forgiven by his blood. We will enter the New Year, emboldened by his rule to live with courage and confidence no matter what we face. He’s in charge!
Please note. There is only ONE service this Sunday at 9:30 am. That service will include the Lord’s Supper.
I hope to see you then! Pastor Nate
PS. Please take an opportunity to sign-up for Connect Groups and for a special SOAP group at the buttons below.