This picture of a Volkswagen
Jetta was taken in November of 2000 in Waldorf, Maryland by a Transportation
Supervisor for a company that delivers building materials. When he saw this car
in a parking lot, he went and bought a camera to take pictures.
The car was loaded both inside and on top with enough
building supplies to build a small house! In the back seat were 10 bags of
concrete, each weighing 80 lbs. On the roof were a large number of 2X4s, 4X4s
and plywood sheets. Police estimated the load weight at 3000 lbs! The weight of
this load, however, had an effect. Both back tires were trashed and the back
shocks were driven up through the floorboard.
The driver of the car said he was headed to Annapolis.
It's obvious, though, that he couldn't have made it out of the parking lot, much
less 40 miles up the road!
The picture is symbolic of many people in their
relationship with God. They carry a tremendous burden around with them. There's
the burden of sin, the burden of guilt and shame, the burden of life's trials,
and the burden of trying to meet the expectations of others.
Sometimes people will turn to religion for relief,
only to find that an even heavier burden is placed on them -- the burden of
keeping a long list of man-made rules and regulations. As Jesus said to the
Pharisees, "You load men with burdens hard to bear." (Luke 11:46) Eventually,
your spiritual life can begin to resemble the automobile described above. It's
hard to think about any long-range goals. You feel like you're doing well just
to carry the load for one more day.
There is a solution, though. Jesus Christ came into
this world to bring relief.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is
easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30)
The choice is yours -- to try to carry an unbearable
burden, or to come to the One who can lighten that load. May you find the relief
in Him that you desperately seek!
Have a great day!
(P.S. Author of the picture is
unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this picture please
authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances
dictate.)
Alan Smith
alansmith@boone.net
www.TFTD-online.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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