Rest

March 2

Leviticus 19-20

Psalm 29:1-6

Proverbs 6:32-33

Mark 6:21-56

Rest

“He said to them, ‘Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place……After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.” 

Mark 6:31-32, 46 NIV

Jesus knew the importance of rest.  Even He, in His human state, needed to rest.   Everywhere He turned there was someone who needed Him:  a blind man who wanted to receive sight, a leper who needed to be healed, a prostitute who needed forgiveness, or a crowd that needed to be fed.  He always had compassion on them and met their need.    But this had been a very difficult day.  In the midst of ministering, His disciples came to tell Him that His beloved cousin, John, had been beheaded.  In His sorrow, Jesus told His disciples that He wanted to go away with them to a quiet place to rest.  Unfortunately, they were followed by a crowd of people and He, as always, met their needs.  At the end of the day, we are told that He sent His disciples ahead in a boat and He went away to the mountain to pray.  He needed time with His Heavenly Father.  He needed the love and peace and strength of His Father to deal with the loss of His loved one. 

We can learn some important lessons from this passage.  First, we need the love and support of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jesus wanted to be with His dearest friends, His disciples, to grieve the loss of John. While   ministering and carrying out our daily responsibilities, it is important to take time for fellowship and rest with friends.  Second, we need time alone with our Heavenly Father to gain the peace and strength necessary for each day.  If we are too busy to spend time with our Father, then we are too busy.  Third, we shouldn’t feel guilty for resting.  If Jesus needed time to rest, then we certainly do.  Our minds and our bodies need down time.  Work hard, do your best and then take time to rest and have some fun.