Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 1:1—2:10; I Timothy 1:1-20
This Week’s Readings: Galatians 5:25—6:10
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
As a high school sophomore in 1970 I remember a song by The Hollies entitled, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” I liked the song partially because the vocals and harmonization were great, but also because I really respected my math teacher who proclaimed it, “The best song ever.”
I have no way of knowing for sure, but part of me wants to believe that the Hollies got the inspiration for their song from Galatians 6:2 above: “Bear one another’s burdens.” A load shared is not so heavy; when your brother is in need, carry him along; be a brother.
“Bear one another’s burdens” is not just a nice little idea; it is a command from the Lord. We are to bear each other’s burdens, especially “those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Think of how hard it is to bear a burden alone, and yet when the load is shared, the burden is lightened. Think of the burden of sin that your Lord Jesus carried FOR YOU, the difference being that Jesus took the whole load, not just part of it. The burden of your sin and death was taken away completely and perfectly by Jesus. He, your Brother, fulfilled His own law, and carried your burden to the Cross, to the grave, and to resurrection.
Jesus continues to carry all your burdens as He delivers to you His strength and forgiveness in His Word and Sacraments. He who once rode in His mother’s womb on a beast of burden, and who Himself rode that beast into Jerusalem to die, bids you come to His house for His gifts that He may continue to carry you all the way to the life of the world to come.
“Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest.” O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts oppressed! It tells of benediction, of pardon, grace, and peace, of joy that hath no ending, of love that cannot cease. (LSB 684:1)
The Reverend Gregory Schultz, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, IL, is the author for this portion of the Trinity season.