March 4, 2010
“For He himself is our peace, who made both groups onto one and broke down the the barrier of the dividing wall … Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals.” Ephesians 2:14/17 NASB and The Message
You’re invited to learn how to love the life Jesus wants to live in you …?
Jesus’ offer is an offer that transforms our alienation from God (the inner distance .. guilt .. and restlessness) .. our personal prisons and enslaved living ( denial of sin .. shame .. self-centeredness .. and restlessness) … and our daily conflicts and strife with others (competition .. comparison .. lack of empathy .. and rejection). It is the core of the Great Exchange that Jesus is offering you today. His life .. his peace .. his rest .. living in you … loving you perfectly into wholeness with God .. yourself .. and others. It’s Jesus who breaks down the walls .. the ones that wear you out trying to work around them .. climb over them .. or just ignore them. It’s Jesus who speaks peace into your life. He has never looked down on you. He looks you straight in the eyes and straight into your heart and invites you to recover your life through Him. He’ll even show you how. All you have to do is watch and walk along. It really is that easy amidst all the noise and busy voices clambering for your life. An unforced life …? Nothing ill-fitting or heavy …? A life lived freely and lightly …? Is it too good to be true..? No … it is the only life that truth can build inside of you when you keep company with Jesus. And surprisingly enough … He calls you His church .. His body .. His saints .. learning how to love the life He is living in you and among you. It only takes a moment …
“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. 1:28-30 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to The Unforced Fellowship of Grace Followers walking with Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)
