Do we remember that the Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy? (Romans 14:17) Peace and righteousness feel foundational to the Kingdom, but do we forget about joy in the midst of our days serving others? In my picture, Jesus shows me the steps, left foot over right and I gradually learn the rhythm.
This reminded me of Matthew 11 in the Message version ‘The unforced rhythms of grace’ where Jesus in communication with the Father talks about his delight in revealing his ways clearly to ordinary people. Jesus describes the intimacy of the Father and the Son and his desire to share this knowledge with anyone who will listen. How wonderful that Jesus would invite us in and share that intimacy and knowledge with us. It’s a joyful thing, filled with laughter. Who created joy? We get weighed down by things that are heavy for us to carry at times. Jesus invites us to come to him, to rest and recover our lives. Then to walk and work with him and to learn the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’. Does that feel like dancing with him? Jesus teaches us the steps. Initially, it can feel a bit like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we don’t always get it right. But he is a gentle teacher and as we learn the dance, and follow him, it flows more smoothly and there is so much joy in it. What he gives you fits well and is not too heavy.
What has he given you? What are the next steps in your dance? What do you need? Let us learn to ‘live freely and lightly’ with Jesus, trusting him to teach us how to dance and move with him. This is a joyful way to live life.
As we look ahead to 2025, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who ushers in a new Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy.
Liz