“And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:” for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.” Mark 6:30-32 (KJV)
John the Baptist has been killed by King Herod. His disciples have buried him and then came to Jesus. They relate to Jesus all that has occurred and what they have been teaching. It is evident to him that John’s disciples are stressed and exhausted. There had been so much ministry and activity that they had not even had an opportunity to stop and eat. Mark’s narrative probably included the Lord’s own disciples and ministry. They were all tired and needed rest, including the Lord. Their ministry had been so intensive for so long that they had not enjoyed any refreshing leisure recently.
And Jesus said to them, “Let’s take a vacation together. Come with me and rest for a while.” Rest is so important to every human being. God did not make us to be workaholics. Even when engaged in the work of the Kingdom, we need to allow for rest and recreation. Wisdom teaches us that our bodies can not go on indefinitely without rest. Stress and fatigue will break us on several levels. You need to stop temporarily and enjoy some rest and leisure. Invite Jesus to go with you into a quiet place.
Dear Father, thank you for the rest you have provided in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us to realize our need for physical rest also. Empower us with grace to take some time to rest and relax so that we may be refreshed to do your work. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged in a quiet place with Jesus,