A Strong Ass
Gen 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
God needs burden bearers. There are many burdens that must be borne for the Kingdom. Financial burdens, prayer burdens …burdens to serve the loveless and the hopeless. Burdens to give expecting little in a hard demanding land. God needs burden bearers who will go where none want to go and remain in thankless positions. A few are like Issachar …blessed to be strong in service and carrying the loads and weights that must be carried. They are slowed because of the burdens they bear but they are special before God. They couch between two burdens when most will not even carry one.
Why do they carry? Because they see there is a rest – that is worth serving for. The rest of the hard working farmer is sweet. The sleep of the one who has labored all day is deep and undisturbed. Issachar sees that the rest was good and the land is pleasant … and they bow again to bear more burdens.
May we be motivated by the eternal rest ahead to serve. May we think of Heaven and may the thoughts of its goodness motivate to do more, give more, sacrifice more and help more. Scriptures tell us that Issachar was blessed to be strong and unusually industrious and reliable. Inclined naturally to labor when others declined. Zebulun was called upon for rents and taxes …financially blessed … a wealthy tribe founded on a work ethic of diligence and sacrifice. Perhaps you have been blessed to be like Issachar to give, carry double burdens and thrive in sacrificing for others. Do not despise this unusual grace that you have. One day in Heaven …you will truly say ” the rest is good … the rest is good …the rest is good”
Song.
Would you live for Jesus, and be always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him within the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have His way with thee.
His power can make you what you ought to be;
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;
His love can fill your soul, and you will see
’Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.
Would you have Him make you free, and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that comes by giving all?
Would you have Him save you, so that you can never fall?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true in providential test?
Would you in His service labor always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Prayer : Father, May I live for Jesus – also, to find and testify always… the rest is good …the rest is good. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
