As I go my way through life learning to live and walk in faith, I have witnessed in my own life as well as in the life of others, those going through life carrying a backpack filled with rocks. This backpack is heavy and makes life a burden. The rocks inside have a variety of labels: pride, envy, hatred, anger, misplaced faith, lies, and immoral life style, just to name a few.

All of these rocks weigh us down with guilt and condemnation. Not one of them gives us true peace and joy. (There is only one Rock Who can give us that - His name is Jesus). Yet we are the one who chose to pick up these evil rocks, placing them in our backpack. We chose to do so when we listened to satan or our flesh tell us they had value, and would bring us a sense of pride and contentment. In other words we fell for the lie that these rocks would give us more “power” in our life.

Too late we find out we have been deceived. Alone we lack the strength needed to remove these rocks we are burdened down with. We need help, His name is Jesus! This is why Jesus said, “come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”(Matthew, chapter 11, verses 29 and 30).

Jesus removes the old backpack full of rocks containing guilt and condemnation. He gives to us a “new” backpack, one which is easy and whose burden is light. But we must be willing to receive the backpack which Jesus offers to us, and we must be willing to learn from Him. We must learn the importance of denying our flesh to have its sinful way. We must learn how to distinguish the voice of the Good Sheppard from that of the stranger.

When the heavy burden of pride is replaced by humility, when hatred and envy, are replaced by love and sharing; anger, with forgiveness; belief that there is no God is replaced by God’s precious gift of faith; lies are replaced by the Spirit of Truth; and immorality is replaced with the righteousness of God; we are set free. All of the weight and burden is lifted from our soul and spirit. There is no more pain in living and walking toward eternity with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside.

What God is telling us in this parable is simply, “you must be born again.” (Born of the Spirit of God John, chapter 3, verses 3-8). Let the Kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans, chapter14, verses 17-19), be your inheritance as the redeemed child of God.

If you are not “born again” and would like to be, may I suggest you diligently seek this blessing from God? Seek it in prayer, seek it in studying God’s Word, and by attending a Spirit Filled church - one which reverences and welcomes the Holy Spirit of God. Most importantly, be willing to come forward when an alter call is given. If none is given be bold, come forward and make your own! Don’t be concerned about what people will think. Be concerned about showing God your hunger to be “born again” is sincere. If any minister should refuse to pray for you to receive this precious gift; depart from that church, shaking the dust from your feet at the door. God Himself will deal with that minister. But as far as you are concerned my friend, God Himself will honor and grant you the desire of your heart - you will become “born again.”

It is my prayer that the desire to be born again is now so strong within, you will desire it more than anything this world has to offer. Come to Jesus now, don’t carry heavy burdens any longer. From your heart say, Dear Jesus I love You! I desire to be born again by Your Spirit. I acknowledge You as my Lord and Savior, now and forevermore. Cleanse me now from every sin in my life; wash me in the power of Your Blood, and make of me a new creation! This I ask in Jesus name.