The Basic Idea:
The Burden Bearer, written by Pastor Paul Chappell, mixes allegory with spiritual admonition and encouragement. This book is certainly not the next Pilgrim's Progress but neither was is it designed to be. The beginning of each chapter is allegorical, and introduces Carrier, a Lifter who believes that he is doing the Burden Bearer a great service by carrying as heavy a load as he possibly can. The second section of each chapter shows how Christians often do the same. Pastor Chappell helps his readers to see that in an age when we feel we are obligated to carry such heavy loads, Christ is calling us to cast our burdens upon Him.
The Biblical Foundation:
Matthew 11:28-30 is the premise for this entire book.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Lessons Learned:
One by one, Carrier learns to give his weights to the Burden Bearer. Finally the Burden Bearer asks him to give up his pack as well. Carrier asks how he will express his love for his Lord without carrying a heavy load for Him. It is then the Burden Bearer introduces His yoke: a far more efficient way to carry a load, but with a greater purpose - caring for lost souls.
Favorite Quotes:
"How is it that we who personally know the One who invites us to cast our cares upon Him still stagger on bearing our own loads?
How is it that we who have chosen Christ's easy yoke persist in carrying our lopsided weights on our shoulders rather than hitching them to our shared yoke with Christ?
How is it that we who have dedicated ourselves to the service of the Burden Bearer, so often find ourselves feeling heavy, burdened, weighted, and exhausted?
And one more question: If we learn to cast our cares on His shoulders, do we release them from our own?"
Favorite Quotes:
"How is it that we who personally know the One who invites us to cast our cares upon Him still stagger on bearing our own loads?
How is it that we who have chosen Christ's easy yoke persist in carrying our lopsided weights on our shoulders rather than hitching them to our shared yoke with Christ?
How is it that we who have dedicated ourselves to the service of the Burden Bearer, so often find ourselves feeling heavy, burdened, weighted, and exhausted?
And one more question: If we learn to cast our cares on His shoulders, do we release them from our own?"
"A sacrificial life will always be unfinished."
"As imposing as giants may be, they all flee before one Defender - God."
"When we neglect God's Word, we lose sight of what God not only desires to do, but what He can do in our lives. Like an unused muscle, our faith begins to atrophy. On the other hand, when we feed our souls on God's promises, our entire perspective changes. Although we are aware of our weaknesses and the impossible circumstances surrounding us, these are not our focus. Our focus is God's limitless power.
God has provided a sword to defeat every giant. But it is up to you to seek it out and to wield it in faith."
"When I fill my Pack with Praise, there is no room left for Worry. Whoever knew it could be that simple!"
"Carrier, believe Me, I know the way. I am not counting your steps, but your surrender. Not how fast, but how faithful. Not your tasks, but your trust."
The Author:
Unlike some Christian authors that may seem to shout their preferences, Pastor Chappell's books are always filled with scripture, putting God's Word above man's words. I give this book five stars. A very encouraging read!
No comments:
Post a Comment