Psalm 81:6 – “I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.

 

Women were often seen carrying water on their shoulders, walking long and potentially grueling paths to tend their families with a refreshing and necessary drink.

 

The shoulder seems to represent a dear and strong place of carrying burdens. For us, and for others.

 

One of the most precious moments of the heart of Jesus is when He lays a dear, hurting heart on my shoulder.

 

Wouldn’t it be like Jesus to tend one in need with the offering of His own shoulder? Might it be that since He lives in me, it’s merely His shoulder in mine, leaning ever so gently to catch the tears running quickly from one’s eyes?

 

We see the law within the old covenant also required offerings of the “shoulder” be given to the Almighty prior to the shed blood of Jesus. Now, the slain lamb, Himself, resides in us. The pure healer of mankind walks in me, and you’re looking for those in need of Him.

 

The shoulder seems to be an often called “burden-bearer” indeed.

 

Is the body of Christ fulfilling the heart of Christ as adequate burden bearers, today?

 

Has your shoulder become a safe place for tears and anguish? A soft pillow for a pained heart to land? Or have we become callous to the wounded and weary?

 

We need more shoulders in God’s church today. Those willing to sit long and weep with the weeping. Shoulders strong in Christ Jesus who are patient with pain and gentle with a heart during recovery.

 

We are in times when love has faded and many are growing cold. We seem to be good at being a blistering “cold shoulder” to the griefs and losses of others. Our business is merely our own and our destiny as well. Self has become the god of the hour and has infiltrated a preaching church, perhaps, but one in desperate need of pastoring.

 

Who might need your shoulder today? Might you offer Christ your shoulders for those in need of a landing place for sorrows?

 

Let us run and ask Him if our hearts are moved by compassion. Let us run and ask Him if we are really living our lives for the benefit of others.

 

Let us run and give Him our shoulder to use. Ask Him to anoint it with healing balm so that the mere touch of a sobbing heart would find rest and comfort. Ask Him to help you give it away whenever it is needed.

 

Many have seen the heart of Christ for them by simply finding a willing shoulder to cry on.