Word@Work 073 - Mark 6:30-31
Published: Fri, 02/29/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:30-31 The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (NIV)
Our passages so far this week (Mark 6v14-29 - a flashback to the beheading of John the Baptist) started when Herod heard that Jesus had sent His disciples to announce the need for repentance (Mark 6v12-13) ... just as John had done! Do you think that the disciples thought they might be next for the chop? They may well have been buoyed up by the extraordinary exorcisms when they used the Name of Jesus to confront demons; but now they were exhausted and needed a rest.
Exhaustion is fertile ground for self-doubt and anxiety. What if Herod should call for them? So Jesus gathers them, listens to their stories, encourages them ... and then invites them to spend time away from ministry - alone with Him. We all need it. Not just a break from the routine or even the genuine thrill of business or career, but a real holiday - a holy day with Jesus. All believers who see their whole lives (home/work/church/leisure) as Christian service, must have their batteries divinely recharged.
At the end of this week, it is worth asking, "When and where can I rest with the Lord?" Without it we may become vulnerable to Satan's tactics, as he wants to disable us from witness next week. If you have the privilege to be 'off' on Sunday, use the opportunity of a day to receive His Word, and to worship. It may take planning and being clear about your priorities to others. But you have to make those decisions for workdays - so you can also choose time with Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, how I need time with You. Especially when I am tired and get things out of Your perspective. Help me to be disciplined to make time to be with You - so that I will not be tricked by temptation; and so I can continue to be useful to You. In Your Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Our passages so far this week (Mark 6v14-29 - a flashback to the beheading of John the Baptist) started when Herod heard that Jesus had sent His disciples to announce the need for repentance (Mark 6v12-13) ... just as John had done! Do you think that the disciples thought they might be next for the chop? They may well have been buoyed up by the extraordinary exorcisms when they used the Name of Jesus to confront demons; but now they were exhausted and needed a rest.
Exhaustion is fertile ground for self-doubt and anxiety. What if Herod should call for them? So Jesus gathers them, listens to their stories, encourages them ... and then invites them to spend time away from ministry - alone with Him. We all need it. Not just a break from the routine or even the genuine thrill of business or career, but a real holiday - a holy day with Jesus. All believers who see their whole lives (home/work/church/leisure) as Christian service, must have their batteries divinely recharged.
At the end of this week, it is worth asking, "When and where can I rest with the Lord?" Without it we may become vulnerable to Satan's tactics, as he wants to disable us from witness next week. If you have the privilege to be 'off' on Sunday, use the opportunity of a day to receive His Word, and to worship. It may take planning and being clear about your priorities to others. But you have to make those decisions for workdays - so you can also choose time with Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, how I need time with You. Especially when I am tired and get things out of Your perspective. Help me to be disciplined to make time to be with You - so that I will not be tricked by temptation; and so I can continue to be useful to You. In Your Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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