31 Days: Come away to a quiet place and rest

 
Image credit: morguefile.com

Mark 6:30-32 

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.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 

Jesus made rest a priority. He and the disciples left in a boat while there were still so many people coming and going. He knew rest was important.

Things didn’t quite go according to plan because people recognised him and ran on foot to meet the boat at its destination. It must have been hard to find a crowd waiting for them when they really just needed some rest. Jesus had compassion on them though and so he taught them, and the disciples fed them. It was late when Jesus sent the disciples off again in the boat while he went up a mountainside to pray. Rest was still important.

Is Jesus inviting you to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest? Does it feel like your rest is being delayed by the needs of others? Ask him to show you how and when to make space to rest with him.

This is Day 10 of The Rhythm of Rest series (Write 31 Days challenge).