Monday 18 January 2010

Many hands make light work

Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. – Numbers 11v17

Moses obviously had an immense task. The burden he was called to bear was huge. He was trying to lead this immense rebellious complaining crowd through the wilderness to their deliverance in Canaan.

There must have been night when he crawled into his tent exhausted and wondering if there was ever going to be any end to the task at hand. The whole burden was on his shoulders and it was an incredible burden to bear.

But God knew all about the work load. He told Moses to gather together seventy elders to assist in the task. God knew the need of sharing the work load and he provided the help for Moses. The phrase ‘many hands make light work,’ attributed to John Heywood in the mid-16th century comes to mind. Work, in fact any burden, is easier when there is someone to share it with.

There are times when we today are facing heavy loads. I think, of course, about Michelle’s illness and the how we are dealing with it. I can’t imagine if we had to face this all by ourselves. It has been such a blessing to see the numbers of people joining with us in prayers and practical support to see us through this time.

One thing that I want to come out of all this is that I would have a greater desire to awareness of others in when they are carrying loads. I trust that I will be able to help them in not carrying their burdens alone.

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