unforced rhythms of grace

I didn't have time yesterday morning to post, but I thought about my morning devotion all day long.  I read Matthew 1o, where Jesus sends out His disciples with some very interesting instructions.  He certainly didn't promise them that it would be easy!  He promised them conflict and sacrifice.  He warned them that to follow Jesus means putting Him before all else, and that life in Christ requires death to self.  The disciples were promised rejection and persecution.

Throughout the day yesterday I thought about the words of  Jesus in Matthew 10 and felt very aware that life can be difficult.  Following Jesus can be difficult.  I wondered how the disciples felt when they heard the words of Jesus?  Did they pause and consider the cost?  Did they doubt?  This morning's reading answers that question!  Sitting in jail, awaiting his death, John the Baptist is wondering if Jesus really is the Messiah.  

Part of following Jesus is accepting that God doesn't always work in the way we expect.  Life isn't always as we think it should be.  Religion doesn't allow us ask questions or deal with our doubts.  But God welcomes us to come to Him through Jesus, with our doubts, fears and uncertainties.  And we find that JESUS is always who HE says HE is.  In HIM is true LIFE.  I love how the Message says Matthew 11:28-29.  This will be my day's meditation:

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.