“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
In contrast with the worship offered Him by this people [of Isaiah 58:1-4], God places the work that He desires them to perform. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verse 5.]
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verses 6, 7.]
Here is a work for every individual. Christ’s followers are to relieve the necessities of humanity wherever they see suffering or oppression. They are ever to be ready to speak a word in season to him that is weary.
We have a work to do for others. We cannot afford to live merely for ourselves. We are to represent the great Medical Missionary, who came to our world to seek and save that which was lost. When we do the work to which God calls us, we are assured of His blessing.
…The great Physician will care for those who carry on the work that He did when He was in our world. Are you sick? Here is a prescription that will restore you to health. As you forget yourself, and take an unselfish interest in those around you, the mighty Healer will acknowledge your work and give you strength beyond your expectations. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Verse 8.] Who is our righteousness?—The Lord Jesus Christ. Let us study the record of His life on this earth. Let us carry out the principles that He has given for us to follow. Then His righteousness will go before us, and His glory will be our rearward. (1)
Charge for the Day: Think about how you can take an unselfish interest in those around you. Pray and ask God to help you carry out Christ’s example in helping others. Make it a point to do something this week to lift someone else’s burden. How can you make this a regular practice?
1. Manuscript 27, 1906