Have you ever gone to church because you are supposed to? Some of you do it every week… Have you ever prayed and it was more just going through the motions? Have you ever felt like following Jesus sucks the fun out of life? Have you ever felt bored because of your beliefs? Have you ever been exhausted because all you do to keep your public religious perspective strong? I know I have at times. Here is what Jesus has to say about that…
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said following Him would not leave you tired, worn out, and burnt out on religion. Key word… RELIGION. Jesus did not come to start or continue a religion. Overtime, religion has become mans earning of God’s approval or appeasement of His wrath. Jesus was around people who acted that way towards the Father He knew. He came to show a better way.
“Come to me. Get away with me.” speaks to relationship. There is no sense of earning or appeasement, but friendship. Jesus offers says he is offering the recover of life and real rest. This is the opposite of the religious system that was imposed on the people Jesus was talking to. Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as “come with me, get away with me, recovery of life, and real rest?” or are you stuck in religion?
Jesus gives us the answer. “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” Key word is with. Religion is you do on your own, relationship is with. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus… with or just for?
Relationships take effort but not to earn but develop. They are strengthened over time. Vulnerability and truth are keys to depth of relationship. Prayer is how we communicate. Scripture is how we learn His wisdom and ways. Worship is how we set our mind, heart, and soul. Want to live free and light… Let religion fall away and develop relationship with the God who gave His Son so you could know Him. Come. Walk. Work. With. Watch. Learn. Relationship
Helping people live a better story
Brandon Sereg
