Soul Snack 8/179 ... War Ready?
Slugging laboriously in damp mud encrusted boots up yet another exhausting incline, while slipping precariously on the tractionless slope, these soldiers knew very well they were too top heavy. Sucking air deeply, deliberately into their expended lungs, these menacing packs that rose above their helmets were managing their movements and orchestrating their falls.Despite good intentions, rigorous planning and exceptional fitness these inexperienced soldiers approached an insurmountable exertion because they simply carried packs too high and too heavy.
Jesus too does not want His soldiers to be overloaded. He instructs them to travel light and shake the dust from their feet. These directions simple. These directions wise. These directions safe. The result for His soldiers is preparedness not exhaustion.
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. Lk 10:3-4
The fittest and ablest soldiers carry the lightest loads. I am such a soldier when I release my hindrances, burdens and loads onto Him. Then I also will not be distracted.
... let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebs 12 :1
The load of sin He has carried for me. The load of guilt He now takes from me. The crushings of life He will lift. He simply asks me to pack all these into His pack.(see also Isaiah 53:4a & Mt 11:28-30)
I can then fight His battles for Him, for He has already fought my battles for me.