Unforced Rhythms
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?...”
Before Jesus begins this discourse, he talks (vv. 25-27) about how the Father and Son have this integral relationship: the way they know one another and the way they interact. It's like that whole "we can finish one another's sentences!" BFF/Twin thing, but on a much grander level.
Jesus doesn't want to keep this to himself. He says he's ready and willing to share with anyone who may have need of this. And they do! Cities like Bethsaida and Chorazin had seen some hard work by Jesus but were unmoved in their spirit. They continued in their ways of the law and found it difficult to accept the teachings of Jesus.
Lord, how many times have I felt like that?
I'm finding myself doing the opposite of what I was accustomed to growing up: I'm becoming more "academic" in my faith and personal devotion time than "on fire, charismatic" type that I used to be. I used to find myself praying for an hour over lunch break. I used to find myself practicing the spiritual disciplines on a more regular basis.
Now, I'm more intellectual in my faith. I read. I read a lot. I want to learn from those whose faith was tried and tested. I want to see what those in the field of higher education are saying today. I want my mind to grow and learn to worship Christ. In fact, the church in Corinth had a similar issue. They had all this knowledge and desire to learn, but their heart (and actions) were straggling behind.
I know I should be surprised that I'm working with a campus ministry at Yale, but I still am. I'm bewildered that like me could be in a place like this.
Yet, here I am working with some of the brightest and most creative people. My job is rewarding and fulfilling.
But my job also demands much from me. As a minister, I feel that I can really miss what God wants to do in my life personally because I'm so preoccupied with what He wants to do in the lives of those around me. So, I compromise. I give an hour to an hour and a half to God and 5-7 hours to those around me. I end my day by crashing on the couch.
You could see how this might be problematic.
So, when Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?" I'm throwing my hand up in the air and screaming, "Yes! That's me, Jesus!" I've viewed my vocation as a priority over my personal relation to God. And it's choking me out.
Thankfully, God invites us to come to Him. He's got big plans to not just help us survive, but sustain us to thrive.
