Zechariah's prophetic career was after the exiles returned
from Babylon, as they were rebuilding the city and the temple. He saw a Jerusalem and a nation that was a
shadow of its former self. He encouraged
the exiles in the work of rebuilding the temple when they were discouraged at
the progress they were making in contrast to the glory of the former
temple. He spoke of the power of the Spirit
in their midst and in the temple and spurred them to attempt greatness, to
believe the Lord would restore their city and their fortunes. He had the happy job of encouragement,
certainly a rarity for a prophet. His one
continuous lament, however, was the priests and leaders of the people who were seeking
after their own glory and not caring for the sheep. His promise is a glorious future for the nation,
a restoration not only of splendor but also of prosperity. His promise is that from the Lord will come the
cornerstone, an important concept in building a new thing.
So the rich young man believes he has kept the commandments
concerning his neighbor, don't commit adultery, steal, murder, bear false
witness, and has honored his father and mother.
Jesus doesn't argue with him at all over this issue. He does, however, point out something
lacking, the man does not love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, he
loves his wealth, he has another god before the Lord. Jesus reveals something to the man and that
is to inherit the kingdom of God he has to renounce his earthly inheritance and
truly seek it. It is the exact same
offer Jesus made to all His disciples and they, the fishermen, Peter and
Andrew, James and John, left their nets and Matthew his custom table. Additionally,
he is not completely loving his neighbor, selling all and giving to the poor is
a demand Jesus doesn't make of the other disciples. This one, however, is unable this day to walk
away. Have we heard and understood the
call of Jesus to be His disciples? Have
we truly accepted it or are we more like the rich young man?
Paul speaks of bearing one another's burdens but each has to
carry his own load. A load was a
pre-determined amount that a man was capable of carrying without assistance, a
burden was an excess over that amount. Jesus
said that the scribes and Pharisees were guilty of tying up burdens on the
people and not lifting a finger to help.
Paul recognizes that life is a load and sometimes life is more than a
load, it imposes burdens on us that we need help from our brothers and sisters
to carry. He won't abide freeloaders who
are unwilling to do their share but he says the community is to care for one
another by sharing burdens. In so doing,
we love one another and the community is enriched. Leaders should be sensitive to the flock and
the flock should be willing to do their part, all must sacrifice for one
another.
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