OVERTAKEN!

OVERTAKEN!

Gal 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

          The Greek word for “overtaken” is the word prolambano which essentially means “to catch before the ball is thrown!” It means “to eat before others have an opportunity; to cut in line; to surprise.” The idea is that some fault, paraptoma a side-slip or unintentional error, has surprised the Christian in his usually steady walk.

          Dealing with such a person requires one to be “spiritual,” non-carnal; a mind that is in tune with God’s Spirit. The purpose is always restoration katartizo which means to repair or adjust. It may refer to setting a joint or broken bone back in place. It will generally be painful. The spiritual mindset does not slip into the judges robe to condemn but rather he puts on the doctor’s smock to heal. It requires circumspection on the part of the healer.

          Within the community of believers there must be a mutual and beneficial sharing and bearing of burdens – heavy things. It requires us to be watchful and sensitive to those who are dragging a bit under their load. Lend a hand and lift their load. It means that when the load becomes too heavy for us there will be another who comes alongside and lifts our load. So, stumbling along under the burden, we all cross the goal together in victory.

Dear Lord, let me be a burden bearer today. Amen