Come to Jesus

It seems like I often hear the phrase, "Come to Jesus" in the context of having a true heart-to-heart with someone, as in, "We're gonna have to have a come to Jesus conversation about that."  This implies that there's a desired course of action, and the recipient of that conversation needs to repent and get with the program. 

Sadly, I think we people of faith have given the impression (or have said explicitly) that coming to Jesus means acknowledging all your faults, getting your stuff together, and then approaching Jesus to be scolded and set back on the right path.  It's not hard to understand why so many people are choosing other stories over that one.

In this week's scripture passage, Jesus calls his followers to approach him when they are weary, struggling, carrying heavy loads, and in need of rest and rejuvenation.  He promises to give us rest and offers his yoke of gentleness and humility.  This seems a far cry from only approaching Jesus when you have it all together or you've figured out all the right things to say, believe, or do.

In the second part of this week's scripture, Jesus continues to debate with the Pharisees about legal obligations.  Again, Jesus seems more concerned with the state of one's heart than with one's ability to do everything perfectly.  "I want mercy and not sacrifice" he says (quoting from Hosea 6:6). 

This week at the 824 Luncheon for PSF, Jaco Hamman, a professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School talked to those gathered about taking time to slow down, and to play.  I'd like to think that part of taking on the yoke of Jesus might include some time for play.  As he finished speaking, Jaco challenged us to make time for play in our lives in three ways, and I want to share them with you:

1. Practice Hospitality
2. Practice Slowness
3. Put yourself in situations where you experience awe and wonder

I won't dare to try to explain those the way Jaco did, but will instead invite you to be in touch with him or pick up his book A Play-Full Life: Slowing Down and Seeking Peace.  For now, I encourage you to approach Jesus for rejuvenation and don't dare wait until you have it all together or all figured out, for I expect you would never end up approaching Jesus at all.