You Should Rest

Mark 6:30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 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.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 
 
DO you get busy? Of course you do. Everyone has reasons to be busy. Jesus and his disciples did, too. They had been quite busy teaching and preaching God’s Word, baptizing people, healing physical diseases and cleansing people of demonic possession. They had to respond to large crowds pressing in on them. What should they do?
   Jesus tells them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” This is a loving, compelling invitation from our Lord. That’s a great idea, isn’t it? Or is it? Should Jesus and his disciples who had the ability to do so many wonderful works stop to rest? After all, there are diseases to heal and souls to save. Preaching must be done. How could Jesus tell them to stop?
   Jesus could advise the stopping because they needed to prepare for their next “going”. To effectively minister, the apostles needed physical rest and spiritual renewal. After all God created the body to rest every day. And God created the soul to seek him every day. Rest is time well spent, so you will have strength to work.
   If you respond, “I’m too busy to be quiet and rest. I’m too busy to take time for God’s Word.” then think about this: The Bible teaches, “No, you’re not. Jesus needed rest in his humanity. So do you.”
   “Jesus told the disciples to take a break. He knew their weaknesses. There is only so much a person can do physically and spiritually; then the body needs rest and the soul needs refreshment. As if it were a new discovery, sports physiologists and motivational experts now preach the wisdom of hard work, then adequate rest. People who hope to accomplish big goals need this healthy rhythm for success and stamina. Rest allows time for reflection, meditation, conversation, reading, and prayer.
   “In all your work, take a little time to dream. Walk in the woods. Stare at the stars. Count your blessings. Sing a prayer of praise where only God can hear.” (from The Life Application Commentary Series)
 
Pause and consider good rest helps you know God’s good care.