Hearing the Message

I had a copy of the Message Bible in high school but it was somehow misplaced with all of my moving over the years. It's one of those things that I keep waiting to uncover in a packed box but never seemed to find. For those of you who may have never read it before, it's basically a modern-day translation of the Bible. I enjoy its verse-less layout and novel-like read. Plus, just like the original text of Jesus' day, it's written in easy-to-understand and pertinent vernacular. I recently bought a leather bound version because I had been thinking about some specific passages I always lingered at when I had my paperback version. Today, I'm just going to share a few that I always find comfort and encouragement in. They remind me that Jesus loves to be in my daily life, and our faith is lived out in the most mundane of routines.

'Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of the earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on the hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.'

There are also reminders to relax...

'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'm learning again what He calls 'rest.' His burden truly is light. I know that for me personally, I manage to get myself tangled up in worries, and busy-ness so much. It takes a constant effort to find that quiet place. I'm sure my family has noticed the lack of my evening interaction, but I've been finding a place of tender fellowship with Him like I haven't in a while. It's amazing how He meets us when we quiet ourselves to listen. I have been seeking Him for specific direction, and even though I don't have total clarity yet, I'm focused on hearing. I think that's the key for us. It's always about the quiet time... shutting down the daily grind, and making that willfull effort to make friends with Him. Initially, it requires work, but before long we start to long for it... with no effort. This is the hunger of God... It's the longing for that Garden of Eden Fellowship that we were made for.

It's learning the unforced rhythms of His grace.