The summer is a time when we often have a change of rhythm. A time of holiday, a break from some of the usual activities, and maybe a more leisurely pace of life.
When Jesus called and appointed his disciples it was firstly that they might be with him (Mark 3:14) before he would send them out. We need reminders of this priority of being with him.
So, what could that look like?
1. Leaning upon him and into him: Song of Songs 8:5; John 13:23-25.
It is not shameful to admit our weaknesses and our need to lean upon our Beloved. The bride comes up from the wilderness - a place that exposes our vulnerability – leaning upon him. The apostle John who describes his relationship with Jesus in similar terms of being the beloved disciple reclines with him, leaning upon him and leaning into him for greater revelation and understanding. Being with Jesus we can lean on, rest with, and receive from him.
2. Looking to Jesus: Hebrews 12:2
We look to him, the author and perfecter of our faith, gazing upon his delightfulness (Psalm 27:4), and so being transformed more and more into his likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). We can also look with him, where we begin to see what he sees and how he sees things from his perspective.
3. Listening to him: Luke 9:35; 10:39
The Father’s voice from heaven calls us to ‘listen to him’ the true Son of God. Mary of Bethany developed a practice of being at the feet of Jesus where she listened to his words. Finding times with less noise around us we might more keenly hear his voice.
4. Learning from him: Matthew 11:29
As we lean and look upon Jesus, and listen to his words, so we will learn from him. We learn from being with him as well as from his words. We ‘yoke’ with him and we become more accustomed to his steps.
Because of who he is, as we spend time being with Jesus we will grow in a deeper love for him. There will be what T. Austin-Sparks called, “an ever-growing realisation and personal appreciation of Christ in whom all the fullness dwells.” Then he will release us out to represent him well, announcing his good news and having authority over darkness (Mark 3:14-15).
Blessings,
Steven Anderson
Thanks Steven, these are great!😊