October 20, 2009
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt. 11:28-30
Are you willing …?
Jesus doesn’t begin with your stuff. He begins by inviting you to Walk with me: He’s not in a hurry. You can’t be when you are walking. Jesus begins by having a conversation with you .. not to investigate or interrogate you but simply to share His life. He doesn’t have a hidden agenda about your life. He’s asking you to walk with Him. You have to make time if you are willing. Work with me: You get to see what a person is made of when you work with them. Jesus is no different. He touched untouchable people .. made time for troubled men and women .. spoke tenderly to others who were trapped or caught in tough situations .. got up early to pray .. washed his disciples feet. And He really wants you to work alongside him or at least take a look at his life in your world. Do you think He would respond differently to the men and women you cross everyday. You have to make time if you are willing. Watch how I do it: Jesus gives you plenty of time to watch his life and let that soak into your heart. The Christ-infecting preacher Andrew Murray wrote: “The secret of the Christian’s strength is simply the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” To wear the Jesus yoke is to discover the unforced rhythms of grace. To live less than Jesus offers is slavery … To love less than He gives is starvation. Who He is is Who He offers and Who He will be in your life. It only takes a moment …
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day — our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.” 1 John 4:17 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Unforced Followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)
