Drained, drowsy, exhausted, fatigued and spent are words associated with being tired and weary. Depending upon your hobbies, occupation and physical fitness routine, energy can be released emotionally, mentally and physically. Perhaps this is why the commandments reference loving God with all your heart, soul and mind. Exercising each of these three aspects of the human body prevents the enemy, Satan, from snatching the good news of Jesus Christ from human hearts, Matthew 13:18-19. The apostle Paul addresses this within 1 Thessalonians 5:23, urging his audience to prepare your spirit, soul and body for the second coming of Jesus.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.
Unfortunately, many good intentioned Christians use busyness as an excuse not to follow the advice of Jesus and Paul. Yet, the longer any believer goes without praying, studying the Bible and worshipping God, the closer you get to the weary traveler. This is a spiritual condition, not an actual person, where souls become vulnerable to demonic attacks. Instead of resisting evil, weary travelers often contemplate forbidden fruits, entertain thoughts of doubt and open their minds to alternative lifestyles. In the passage above, the apostle Paul urges his readers to hold on, press on and don’t give up on following the narrow path that leads to life, Matthew 7:13-14.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint, Isaiah 40:31.
In the days of the Old Testament, devout Jews grew weary of the ancient practices for seeking forgiveness. Animals needed to be collected, trips to the temples planned and sacrifices made by a high priest to atone for the mistakes, rebellious acts and transgressions made by you and your family. When you consider the blood, killing and smell left behind by this grueling tradition, its no wonder that Israelites in the days of the prophet Isaiah began to lose hope. Receiving a vision from God, Isaiah compares the Lord to eaglets nurtured and raised by caring parents. Thus, when you feel like you can’t go on any longer, let God carry you on wings like eagles.
Come to me, all 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,” Matthew 11:28-30.
Today, a week doesn’t go by without news of a Christian falling from grace, caught in a surprising act of sin. These tarnished believers often follow the pattern found in 2 Samuel 11:1-4. Just because you are a man or woman after God’s own heart doesn’t make you immune to sin. Rather, when the spirit of the weary traveler enters your soul, anything is possible. Just ask King David who didn’t feel like going to work one day. This decision led to idleness, boredom and a wandering spirit. One thing led to another and suddenly a righteous man commits adultery, get’s another man’s wife pregnant and gives order to have her husband left behind and killed. This Old Testament passage should serve as a wake up call to all Christians who are on the verge of entertaining the weary traveler.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 