Word@Work 074 - Mark 6:32-34
Published: Mon, 03/03/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:32-34 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognised them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (NIV)
The Christian's life often expects one thing, buts gets another! For the disciples, the promise of 'quality time' with the Master would have immediately lowered the blood pressure, and the boat trip was a welcome cruise. But not for long! The crowds who were seeking Jesus (for all kinds of reasons) were so keen, that they ran around the lakeside to form a reception committee when the boat landed.
Everybody involved in ministry has experienced the same sinking feeling that the disciples may have experienced. Just when you think that you have a little time to relax, the phone goes, the urgent text arrives, the doorbell rings ... and all of a sudden, R&R is cancelled! Jesus is not grudging nor resentful. He has compassion on them because they have nowhere else to go - to find their Shepherd. His method of feeding hungry hearts is to teach them the truth about the Kingdom of heaven; and about himself as the Shepherd King.
It would be nice to think that God will fit His plan for our lives into our available diary slots. But that is not the way He works. He expects us to be available to serve Him when He calls, and not when we plan to make diary space for Him. Yes, it may be hard and inconvenient, and when we are tired or even not wanting to serve ... but, if the Lord is wanting to bring His truth and love and life to lost sheep - He will give us all the resources we need to work with Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please forgive me when I don't want to work with You, whatever the reason - particularly when I am tired. Please help me to know that You will give the strength to do whatever You tell me to do ... whenever that is. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The Christian's life often expects one thing, buts gets another! For the disciples, the promise of 'quality time' with the Master would have immediately lowered the blood pressure, and the boat trip was a welcome cruise. But not for long! The crowds who were seeking Jesus (for all kinds of reasons) were so keen, that they ran around the lakeside to form a reception committee when the boat landed.
Everybody involved in ministry has experienced the same sinking feeling that the disciples may have experienced. Just when you think that you have a little time to relax, the phone goes, the urgent text arrives, the doorbell rings ... and all of a sudden, R&R is cancelled! Jesus is not grudging nor resentful. He has compassion on them because they have nowhere else to go - to find their Shepherd. His method of feeding hungry hearts is to teach them the truth about the Kingdom of heaven; and about himself as the Shepherd King.
It would be nice to think that God will fit His plan for our lives into our available diary slots. But that is not the way He works. He expects us to be available to serve Him when He calls, and not when we plan to make diary space for Him. Yes, it may be hard and inconvenient, and when we are tired or even not wanting to serve ... but, if the Lord is wanting to bring His truth and love and life to lost sheep - He will give us all the resources we need to work with Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please forgive me when I don't want to work with You, whatever the reason - particularly when I am tired. Please help me to know that You will give the strength to do whatever You tell me to do ... whenever that is. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
W@W074 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
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