His Burden fell off his back!

(for more on Pilgrim's Progress, see my blog:  http://dozierdon.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-have-key-in-my-bosom-called.html)
Have you read John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress"?  I have, more than once, but much less than Spurgeon. 
Charles Spurgeon is reported to have read it over 100 times. It was his favorite book outside the Bible.
Alistair Begg references it frequently in his sermons, as do many other solid preacher/teachers of today.

Bunyan's book starts out with Christian, a man with a huge burden (sin) on his back, and a book (Bible) in his hand.  Eventually, through many trials and tribulations, he gets to the foot of the Cross, where his burden falls off and rolls down the hill, into an empty tomb.  At this point, his story is really just getting started, as Christian heads toward that "Celestial City".  It's an excellent read for those interested, especially if you're familiar with the Bible, because much detail in the book is allegorical to Scripture, and might not be well understood without a background in Scripture.  Those unfamiliar with Holy Scripture, or those with little time to read would do better to read the Bible Itself, for that's where God truly speaks to us.  

Although my huge burden of sin was lifted at the Cross years ago by His Grace, there have been a few smaller "burdens" that have been weighing me down lately.  With stresses in life which include medical and health problems with my wife and myself, raising three children (two which are teenagers), working, paying bills, meeting deadlines, busy schedules, excessive comittments, etc. etc., (I could list pages of details, but you all have your own, right?) in addition to Scripture passages such as Matthew 6:33, Philippians Chapter 4, 1 Peter 5:7, etc., I was reminded of this great allegory by Bunyan.

His burden was great, but the Cross was greater!  As the old hymn goes,  
"burdens are lifted at Calvary"!

Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

CHORUS:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Troubled soul, the Savior can feel
Every heartache and tear.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

CHORUS:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.