[TODAY’S BREAD comes from Thom Vaught, our deacon of missions and active member at Bear Valley, one who excels in the Bible classroom as well as behind the scenes. You will enjoy this thought-provoking slice of bread from our guest “baker.”]
Thom Vaught
Shane Hamman was ready for competition on October 3rd, 1996 in Philadelphia. He loosened up approaching the bar with determination and confidence. Because the bar was at chest level, Shane had to duck under it positioning himself bent slightly with the bar across the back of his shoulders. As he lifted up the, the reinforced steel bar began to sag beneath the weight at each end. Carrying the full weight, Shane stepped back from the barbell rests while the crowd watched on in anticipation. He then executed an awe inspiring squat lowering until his upper legs were parallel to the floor then lifting the weight once again to shoulder height. What made this so incredible is that Shane had just set a new powerlifting record by squatting 1,008 pounds. That is more than the weight of two average refrigerators. Often called “The Strongest Man in America”, many wanted to know the secret to Shane’s amazing strength. After countless interviews, Shane continued answering questions about how he accomplished such a feat with the same response.
“the power of God flows through me and provides me with all of the strength I need.”
You see, even more powerful than the strength Shane’s body was the strength of his convictions.
However, as strong as Shane was, he could not manage to lift a single sin. As a mater of fact, no man is able to lift the weight of their own sins. David knew this well and makes a record of his spiritual struggle in Psalm 38.
There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation;
There is no health in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me (3-4).
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I know exactly how David feels. On several occasions I have found myself struggling in tears as the weight of my sin crushed down upon me. No matter what burden of sin you are carrying on your shoulders right now you need to realize that there is hope. Let’s look at how David ends this Psalm that starts off on such a sorrowful note.
Do not forsake me, O LORD;
O my God, do not be far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation (21-22)!
Similar to David, it is because of both our weakness in temptation and desire for salvation that we put on Christ in repentance. Only Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was able and willing to take our burden of sin upon himself . As we go throughout life, we need to reflect not in hopeless guilt, but in love and appreciation at the burden that has been lifted from your shoulders. Remember that Jesus has done the Heavy Lifting.
Afterword
Further credit goes to Shane Hamman in that after retiring from weightlifting, he has continued good works by engaging in the Rachel’s Challenge program as a speaker. This program was started in the wake of Columbine as a means for prominent individuals to deliver positive and compassionate messages to our nation’s teenagers.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995
by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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