Unforced rhythms of grace

Matthew 11: 28 - 30

"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."

(The Message)

I love Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of these verses. As I read, I can well imagine the weariness that comes from being out of step with Jesus. Imagine trying to keep in step with someone - whether in work or in walking. It will be a real struggle if we do not understand the person's way of doing things, if we have not observed his or her movements and the rhythms that grace them. Many well meaning Christians serve without learning from Jesus. Yes, we may say we are serving the Lord, but the fact is, there is much weariness and burnout among those who say they are following Christ. I know by experience that we can serve Jesus his way or our own way. Indeed many are burned out on religion - when service becomes self centered and leads to a way of serving that either pushes too hard or becomes cold and mechanical. Have you experienced the wonderful refreshing grace that comes from being ministered to by someone who has learned from Jesus, learned from the One who is "gentle and humble of heart"? Such a person has, as Eugene Peterson says: gone to Jesus, had a 'get away' with Jesus, has walked and worked and kept company with Jesus. There is no other way to learn to live in step with the unforced rhythms of grace.

In a way, I am glad that the ministry of spiritual accompaniment regularly reinforces the need for me to keep company with Jesus myself. It is an essential part of the preparation needed to co-discern with others and no technique will substitute for time spent with Jesus.

When we spend time with Jesus (in prayer, Bible reading and meditation, worship, solitude and other spiritual disciplines), as we abide or remain in him in the sweet communion of his transforming friendship, he will change us to become more like him. Often when we feel weary, it is not so much a holiday getaway we require (though that may help). It is keeping company with Jesus that we truly need. As we abide in him, he teaches us a most gentle and humble way, a freeing and light way. We are well rested and our actions, flowing out of our deeply refreshed spirits will pour living waters onto the dry parched lives of others.