Senior wisdom

Does Jesus Offer Rest Or More Hoops To Jump Through?

Lately—when I’ve read books that have to do with Christian living—I’ve frequently had the feeling that I’m being scolded for not doing enough. I know the folks who are writing these books mean well; they are smarter than me; and the points they are making have validity. But after a while it seems to me the God who is being presented is sort of like an incredibly demanding boss who is impossible to please, however, I need to ramp up my efforts and keep trying to please Him anyhow.

(I know, some of this is probably a reaction that has a lot to do with me and my own fears, faults, inadequacies, guilt feelings and other psychological stuff.)

Maybe this is why I read a certain passage of scripture tonight and it brought great joy to my heart. I have read this passage many times before—in fact I have read it numerous times for others in an effort to bring them words of comfort and peace—but tonight was different. I seemed to be primed to take in this truth in a fresh way and delight in the God who actually offers me rest, not more hurdles to jump through.

Here is the verse, the words are spoken by Jesus:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30.

Prayer:  “Thank you, Lord. I needed to read this verse today and I am deeply grateful for the truth of what it says. Amen.”

Living The Christian Faith

In my reading, I was challenged by this thought, recently: If honestly living your Christian faith was declared to be illegal would you honestly live your Christian faith anyhow?  …Does the question challenge you, too?

Has God Messed With You Lately?

I asked a friend recently, “What have you been reading these days?”

She said, “I read this book ‘Crazy Love’ by Francis Chan. And God has really been messing with me, as a result of it.”

So, I picked up a copy of “Crazy Love”. It’s a quick read. And God’s been messing with me, now, too.

Oh yes, I’ve thanked my friend for contributing to my nights spent laying awake staring at the ceiling, pondering these matters. But she just laughs at me and says, “join the club, bub.”

I think Chan has a gift for challenging one to seriously grapple with questions like:

· Am I really committed to God and not just playing a game?
· Is there evidence of a true commitment to God in my life?
· Am I really trusting in God or does my life reveal that I have back up plans and insurance policies in case God doesn’t actually come through?
· If my faith in God could possibly seem “strange” to those who don’t walk with God, isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?


The questions listed above may or may not be found in the book, I don’t recall for sure. I’m just saying they are the types of questions that I found myself pondering as I read the book.

One of the questions that definitely is in the book is this one that was posed to a class in which Francis participated back in Bible college: “What are you doing right now that requires faith?” It’s an interesting question for an authentic Christ follower to ponder. Is there anything you are doing in your life, right now, that truly requires faith?

“Crazy Love” is likely to get you thinking and provide a good and important challenge to your faith in God. In fact, He might just “mess” with you as a result of reading this book.

Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL