The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)
I’ve been enjoying the slower pace of life since retiring as pastor of Seoul International Baptist Church. But to be honest, I miss preaching and teaching. It’s been over a year now, and I could have never imagined being sidelined for so long.
Our worldwide pandemic has taken its toll on all of us. The rhythms of life which we took for granted suddenly changed, and we’ve had to change accordingly. And I imagine that, like me, many of you are eager to return to a normal life.
But during my Bible reading this morning, I came across this well-known passage where Jesus invites us to take his yoke upon us and learn about the rest he offers our weary souls. I frequently check out Eugene Peterson’s, The Message when I want to learn more about a Bible passage. Peterson was a brilliant scholar of ancient languages and his translations often express scripture in ways that connect with our twenty-first-century lives.
Here’s how Peterson translates Jesus’ words about “rest for you souls” -
“Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Like I said, I’m enjoying my slower pace of life, but I am eager to get back in the saddle. Writing books and devotionals have helped, and soon I’ll be posting weekly podcasts of interviews I’ve been conducting with people from various backgrounds and nationalities. I’m also planning on developing some Bible teaching podcasts. But I miss face-to-face interaction with people.
I’m antsy. I’m more than a little restless. And let me be clear: golf, fishing, hunting, beach walks with my wife; all these things are great, but to be honest, I ultimately prefer a faster pace.
It’s not like I haven’t heard God speaking to me through all this. I know He led Sherri and me back to the United States. I also know I am exactly where He wants me at this time in my life and ministry. BUT enjoying this sabbath rest or year of jubilee, if you will, isn’t as easy as it sounds.
So, when I read about the need to walk with my Lord, taking His yoke upon me and learning the unforced rhythms of life, I paused, closed my iPad, and thanked God for the opportunity to learn to walk in step with Him. And I confessed that I needed to allow Him to teach me how to do that.
I once heard a preacher say, “Jesus is never in a hurry, but He is always on time.”
I believe that with all my heart. And I believe that as I learn His unforced rhythms of grace in my life, I will be a more faithful disciple and an example to others of what it means to walk with Christ.
I know you will too.
In Christ,
Dan