Weightlifting at Broadway

"Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust."
Isaiah 40:15

I noticed on Facebook yesterday that there is a mighty man among us.
Cody Nelson won some hardware at the Firefighter Olympics this past weekend; four hundred thirty-five pounds on the bench press! We could have put the entire Rogers family in buckets on either end of the bar, and Cody might have mustered the strength to lift us from the ground.  That blows my mind!

And as impressive as that is, Isaiah says we could summon all the nations of the earth, and they'd be like a drop in the bucket for the LORD! Of course, when was the last time you were looking to pick up Canada? It's not like we even think about that sort of thing.  We're too busy with our own heavy-lifting.  We carry the weight of great expectations, disappointments, failures, stress and worry, illness, heartache, and sin.  The sad thing is, so many carry on as if there's no one stronger in the room. 

Surrounded by a world of weary weightlifters, Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The strongest one who ever walked the face of the earth offers a trade... your burdens for his, and it's not a trick.  His burden is light, because sin, worry and sickness have no staying power there.  Christ carried those things to the cross and left them in the tomb.  They have power over us no longer. 

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross
He broke my shame and sinfulness
He rose again, victorious


Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ, who lives in me


You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written: Christ is risen
Jesus, you are Lord of all


No beginning and no end
You're my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross


You are stronger, you are stronger
Sin is broken, you have saved me
It is written: Christ is risen
Jesus, you are Lord of all


So, let Your name be lifted higher,
be lifted higher, be lifted higher

This is the only lifting we have to do.  It's our job to see that the Name of Jesus is high and lifted up for all to see.  May Broadway come to be known as a place where burdens are lifted for all as Christ is exalted in wholehearted worship and prayer.