Mark 6:30-31
The apostles gathered around 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."
I can't imagine how beautiful it would have felt to have Jesus say those words directly to me. Yet, we are taught that Jesus always invites us to rest with him. This passage is just so personal and direct. There certainly is no better rest than the rest I find when I go to Jesus. It is not a physical rest, but an emotional and spiritual peace. And it is always waiting for me, 24/7, with Jesus.
Father God, you give me peace and rest when I ask. I am so thankful, and I know I am far from deserving all of your blessings. You are full of grace. Amen
Becky, transforming
Mark 6: 30–31
I can picture the scene. How excited they must’ve been. Each one wanting to share their experience with their teacher. Jesus understood their enthusiasm. He also understood that now that people knew their skills, they would be pursued by the crowds everywhere they went. He is teaching them (and us) by his invitation to find a quiet place and rest. This allows for reflection and renewal – something we all need. This invitation is for us today.
Prayer: gracious God, remind me often that rest is renewal and not a waste of time. Amen
Friday
February 24th, 2023
Mark 6:30-31
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Today we live in a noisy and high pressure world. More is expected of us than some days we can possibly do. We can combat stress by seeking time alone. Most likely
the world will not show down but I/we can. I really enjoy my quiet times. I think we all do as we grow older (and wiser) my favorite times of the day for quietness is i…
Mark 6: 30-31
Just as the body needs time to recover and recuperate, so also the spirit and soul need times of rest and refreshment. Jesus understands that I have daily responsibilities that take up time in my day. However, I also need time out to recharge and refresh my soul. Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully human and understands my weaknesses. I am guilty of pushing Jesus aside and paying more attention to my daily issues. I am attempting to make serious steps to address this issue in my life. I intend to succeed.
Dearest Lord, thank You for Your Word and helping me to recognize how quickly you can be pushed aside in my daily…
Mark 6:30-31 i can easily imagine the hyperexcitable Peter saying, “But Jesus, there are so many here and so much to do. This is no time to rest.” Jesus would respond gently and Peter would rest with the others. I have never had trouble finding the time to rest. (Becky can certainly attest.) My trouble is clearing and resting my mind. Even some mornings during my time with God, my thoughts race about the day ahead. Real rest for me would be a quiet mind.
Prayer - God of peaceful rest, help me find a way to put extraneous thoughts aside at times of rest so that I may be truly refreshed. Amen
TAA