The Weight of the World
Author: Dave BerothIn front of the International Building in Rockefeller Center, New York City, stands a Bronze statue of Atlas by sculptor Lee Lawrie (1877-1963).
The Weight of the World
As you look at that statue, you will see a man with enormous shoulders, rippling muscles, and bulging thighs. He needs all those muscles because he is bearing the weight of the entire world on his shoulders.
Our world is filled with people who feel they are bearing the entire weight of the world on their shoulders. My hunch is that there are a few of you reading this blog who feel that weight today.
Maybe you are the primary caregiver for an elderly parent who is very ill, perhaps a spouse, child, or friend.
Maybe the successes of that work project rest on you alone. You’re short staffed and missing resources.
Maybe everyone in your circle of influence is looking to you for emotional support and you are running on empty.
Maybe your personal life, frankly, is in disarray and you’re feeling and bearing the burden of the stress and strain of life.
Maybe you have decisions to make about your career, your future, or otherwise, and they must be made soon.
On His Shoulders
This Christmas season be reminded once again that the weight of the world is on the shoulders of Jesus Christ, not your own.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Did you get that? “The government will rest on his shoulders.”
– Isaiah 9:6-7, New International Version
I am trying to put into practice the miracle of Christmas this year. The immediate government of my life and of the world was never meant to be on my shoulders. The government of the world shall be upon His shoulders, Christ’s shoulders. That’s why he came to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Join me this Christmas season and lay down your assumed title as the general manager of the universe. Let’s give our burdens to God. I think he will accept our resignations.
