Philosopher and author William James said, “Nothing is so fatiguing as the hanging on of an uncompleted task.” At one time or another, we have all felt the burden of an unfinished job. Some are motivated by that feeling and work hard to get the job done. Others ignore the feeling, avoiding their responsibilities. But, as British civil servant and economist Sir Josiah Stamp observed, “It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities” (John Maxwell, Talent Is Not Enough, pp. 55-56). In other words, it all catches up with us.
Jesus often spoke of His burden—the unfinished work He was obliged to complete. In a discussion with His disciples following His interview with a Samaritan woman, Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (Jn. 4:34). Jesus felt the burden of His mission when He prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Lk. 22:42). The agony of providing, in Himself, the atoning sacrifice for our sins is seen in the fact that, as He prayed, “His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground” (vs. 44). Jesus did not dodge His responsibility, but went to the cross where He bled and died for our sins. But, as He was about to give up His spirit, He cried out and said, “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30). Jesus completed the most burdensome job ever accomplished by mortal man and, in the process, proved Himself to be the Son of God (Mt. 27:54).
Years later, looking back on the work of Jesus, the inspired writer of Hebrews described our Lord as “the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hb. 12:2). His work in providing atonement for our sins is done, but His work continues in as much as He abides as our high priest, mediator, advocate, and intercessor.
Our call to be workers in the kingdom of God is a lifetime responsibility. Our work for Him is never completed. This side of heaven, there will always be something we need to do in the name of the Lord. The joy set before us is doing the Father’s will. Each service rendered is an act of love for the One who has done and is doing so much for us. John said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn. 5:3). Any burden we may feel is lightened as we lose ourselves in loving service to the Lord. The burden that overwhelms us is the burden we ignore—the burden we do not bring to the Lord for the strength we need to get the job done.
–Glen Elliott–