Hitting the Road with Jesus

from Elliott

We spent the day studying and discussing Sabbath rest. I have been a part of previous discussions about the concept but have always had difficulty in this culture and with my personality practicing it fully. We mediated today on the familiar Matthew 11:28-30 Scripture. This time though we used the Message version which spoke to me in a very different way.

It reads, “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."

I immediately focused in on ‘Come to me. Get away with me and you will recover your life.’ What an invitation! When I read it though ‘Get away with me’ became ‘Make a Getaway with me’ and what a vision that was. Jumping in the car with Jesus and hitting the open road, maybe even in a red convertible on a sunny day!

It sounds like an adventure or a journey of discovery. Perhaps it would be like exploring unknown destinations with an expert guide – Jesus no less. What would He show and teach me? I can feel the pressures of the day quickly lift away; those things that have sucked the life out of me or those distractions that have kept me from a divine appointment with God and alignment with His plan. The destination… 'recover your life'. Not just any life but the one that a gracious God has planned for you – nothing less!

Wow! Is it possible to turn down that invitation? Katherine and I now know the crucial nature of this blessing, especially to the missionary in a new land.