Long distance lorry driving can be like living in the Truth; sometimes the going is easy, when the load (burden) is light - "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30 Other times, the load (burden) is heavy and the going is tough.
At times, living on the road can be very lonely. Having to say goodbye to loved ones, driving hour after hour, through all types of weather, surrounded by other vehicles, yet all alone in our cab. Living in the Truth can also be lonely; friends and family not understanding the Truth or only interested in their own lives.
After four and a half hours driving, I have to take a break by law. Getting freshened up, having something to eat and being able to talk for a while with other drivers, is something to look forward to. Living in the Truth, we need to 'break' for spiritual refreshment on our journey, gained at our Bible Studies midweek, and when we meet to break bread and drink wine on Sundays. It is our chance also to talk with our fellow travellers.
These days I only have fourteen wheels on my tractor unit and trailer instead of 22 wheels. This brings to mind the four wheels on the "brazen seas" outside the temple - "And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten". 1 Kings 7:33 There are many things about driving my tractor unit and work that remind me about the Bible and its message.
To get to the destination with the load intact, looking forward to meeting with friends and family at the end of the journey, these are all part of the pleasure and anticipation of finishing the job. I can only think that Paul must have had these feelings, when he neared Rome and encountered his brethren. "Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage." Acts 28v14-15
On our own Journey, we anticipate the pleasure and joy of reaching the Kingdom. Hopefully at Judgement Day, we will be greeted by our Master with a smile.
In these last days when we are so close to the return of our Master, it is sad to see so many who do not take the opportunity to meet together as often as they can with those of like precious faith; those quick to take offence, quick to criticise, quick to gossip about their fellow brethren and sisters. Those slow to forgive, slow to forget, slow to learn by mistakes. Those who think of themselves as being in a spiritual fast lane, and judge others thinking of them as being in the spiritual slow lane. Our meeting together should be havens of spiritual rest and sustenance on that arduous journey along the motorways of life. Without each other think how lonely that journey would be!
We all anticipate the pleasure and joy of reaching the Kingdom and in God's mercy all members of the 'family' shall be there at home when we arrive, both those we get on with, those we don't. We shall be together for eternity, so lets help each other now and strive to accept each other for the family members that we are, loving each other as our Lord has loved us.
SH