In review of Mark 6:31 it says, “Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest’” (NCV).
Today’s passage comes from Mark 6:30-31. In it, I’m told that when the apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and began to tell him all they had done and taught, Jesus suggested that they “go off by themselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because it was so chaotic with so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
When the disciples had returned from their mission, Jesus recognized the need and took them away to rest. Doing God's work is very important, but even Jesus recognized that to do it effectively everyone needs periodic rest and renewal time. But, because of his ministry Jesus and his disciples, did not always find it easy to get the rest they needed.
When I think about Jesus, I tend to think about the miracles. I think about him teaching thousands. I think about him dying for my sins, and rising from the dead on the first Easter morning. But I don’t usually think about Jesus relaxing.
However, one of the reasons Jesus was able to live stress-free despite all the demands upon his life was because he knew how to refresh himself.
Over the last few days, I’ve been looking at principles of how Jesus managed stress. The first six were:
Identification: Know who I am
Motivation: Know whose approval I’m living for
Vocation: Know my calling
Concentration: Focusing on what matters most
Meditation: Listening to God
Collaboration: Join and be part of a small group
The last one is the Principle of Recreation.
Even though Jesus had more important work to do than I do, he still took time to relax, go to parties, and just have fun.
The Bible says, “Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest’” (Mark 6:31 NCV).
If Jesus can rest and relax, so can I.
In fact, God thought rest and relaxation was so important he put it in the Ten Commandments. Right along with commands to not murder, commit adultery, or steal, God tells me to take one out of every seven days to worship and rest.
If I’m too busy to take time off, I’m simply too busy, and likely too stressed.
Bottom Line:
Jesus suggested, they get away from the crowds for a while and rest. For so many people were coming and going that they barely had time to eat.
What this means to me:
Go off to a quiet place and rest awhile. He said this because there were some many people coming and going that there was not even enough time to eat.
In summary, even Jesus recognized that everyone, including himself, needs some time to get away and rest awhile. I know personally from my own life, that my work seems to take the most priority with my time and thoughts. I really need time to get away and be refreshed. With some anticipated time coming up, I'm feeling stressed because there is so many things I need to do to prepare for the next task. Seems there is always something. As I find myself thinking about it, 1 Peter 5:7 came to mind (cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you), and so I prayed it and will likely need to continue to pray and claim it. Working hard and wanting to do a good job is important, but I can't do it at the expense of family and ministry. Even Jesus recognized that to be effective everyone need to periodic rest and renewal time. If Jesus had to relax, the so can I. Lastly, I'm not too busy to take time off, I'm just simply to busy and too stressed.
This morning Father I pray that you will help me be realized and think clearly about the things that I really need to do or get started with so that I can leave for a few days of rest and relaxation. Give me your wisdom and your guidance in what I do and how I interact with others. I pray these things in your Son Jesus name, amen!
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