I have never been a big fan of religion.  The word alone evokes thoughts of formality, rituals, and emptiness to me. I spent a good chunk of my life entrenched in religion and I never saw it avail any good.

When my heart has been most broken, my emotions most raw, and my soul most vulnerable, religion has done nothing to help me.

But Jesus has.

His life, His story, and the way He continually interacts with us is the exact opposite of religion.  He’s real, vulnerable, sincere and consistently relational.

John 21 highlights a story that is such a perfect example of this.

Jesus had already been crucified and resurrected.  A few of His disciples, still suffering from the shellshock of recent events and crushed with discouragement, decided to go fishing.

Following an unsuccessful night in their boat, Jesus appeared to them and told them to toss their nets back in the water.  The result was a haul of fish so large that they could barely drag the full net in.

Once they did, though, Jesus (who already had a fire ready on the beach) told them to bring some of the fish over and “Come and have breakfast.” (vs. 12)

Is there anything more genuinely human and relational than that?  No formality here.  Just grab a seat and let’s eat!  He didn’t chastise them for their recent bout with discouragement or browbeat them with any hoops to jump through to ensure His favor.

Nope. He just wanted to sit with these fellas and enjoy some food and conversation together. They were friends. He wanted that relationship with them.

It’s so raw, isn’t it?!  There’s nothing polished or sterile about it.  If you pause and take a minute, you can almost feel the sand, hear the water lapping on the shore, smell the smoke from the fire, and see their happy camaraderie.

Religion tends to keep people at arm’s length.  Shrouded in mystery and confusion, it doesn’t offer much help when you’re picking up the pieces of a broken marriage, the medical reports are touch-and-go, or the weight of your daily stress pulls your mind into some very dark places. 

But Jesus invites us to come close to Him – have a seat, be in His presence, and talk about what’s on our mind as He promises to walk alongside us through life with all of its ups and downs.

Twentieth century author A.W. Tozer said, “Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity, and bluster make a man dear to God.  We please God most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms.” 

So, what do you say?  Throw yourself into His arms! Pull up a chair, sit a while, and enjoy His company! Relax in the blessing of knowing a real Friend who always sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and enjoys nothing more than having a relationship with you.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!