"Rucksacks"

 

“Rucksacks”

 

When I was in Boy Scouts in the days of Noah part of our gear was a knapsack which we wore on our backs and in which we hauled what we needed for hikes and camping trips. In my college years many of us had green bags which we slung over our shoulder to tote our books around campus. Now in our travels we have backpacks which we use as carry-ons on plane trips containing odds and ends we might need should our luggage arrive at a different destination than we do. These all serve a purpose of carrying things more conveniently than in our arms.

I never was in the service but since my grandson Nate enlisted in the Marines two years ago I’ve become more familiar with military equipment. One indispensable item is the rucksack. The name comes from a German word for back. It’s large enough to contain what’s needed to complete an assigned mission. While it’s essentially an overgrown backpack it’s not made for style as are many designer models produced today—rather it’s constructed to fulfill its purpose of enabling a service member to perform his or her task. According to the U.S. Government a Marine field pack can weigh is anywhere between 60 and 159 pounds. This gives me a new appreciation for what Nate and his colleagues do to keep us safe.

I’m sure any Marine would be glad to be relieved of the rucksack burden after training or an assigned mission. Just as Marines help each other in carrying out their duties God expects us as His people to be there for our brothers and sisters in their times of need. Paul tells us. “Bear ye one another’s burdens…For (everyone) shall bear (one’s) own burden.” (Galatians 6:2,5, KJV). Contradiction? Not in the least. The Greek word in verse 2 refers to an overwhelming weight while the term in verse 5 describes a more manageable load. Newer translations make this distinction by using “burdens” in verse 2 and “load” in verse 5. Paraphrased (McMillan version): “Each one should carry his or her own knapsack but be helped with his or her rucksack.”

Ultimately we can count on God “…who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19). But He often uses His people to fulfill His promises. Will we help our brothers and sisters carry their rucksacks?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan