How do we respond when we know Jesus wants us to take a break?
By Dean Collins
Many stories in Scripture give us examples of and instructions for our need for rest. Usually, we begin with the principle of Sabbath rest as a foundation for these discussions. Some may argue about the details of what you can or cannot do on your day of rest, but few argue that God intended for us to be refreshed by resting from our labor and connecting with God, self, family, and nature.
In addition to Biblical principles, many books, articles, and seminars by mental health professionals and pastors help us learn to rest. Some give spiritual reasons; others give mental health and physical health rationales, but all agree that the mind and body can do only so much before we take time to rest. We are told—and some of us know all too well—what happens to us when we burn the candle on both ends and never take a break.
To rest or not to rest
Mark 6 is a bit of a head twister when it comes to understanding when and how to get rest. When the apostles got back to Jesus after a mission trip, he simply told them they were looking a little tired and needed to get away from everyone and take a break. But when they tried to do so, the crowds caught wind of their respite location and decided to come along.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them and began to teach them about the kingdom of God. The apostles would have been fine with a short message by Jesus followed by instructions that the revival was over and all could return home. But Jesus’ compassion continued past his sermon. He told the apostles to give the crowd a free dinner. They protested at the cost and the inconvenience, but Jesus insisted that they have the crowds sit down to eat. All the apostles had scrounged up was five biscuits and a couple of bait-sized fish.
All they had was five biscuits and a couple of bait-sized fish.
By the time it was over, everyone was stuffed, and the tired apostles gathered up 12 baskets of leftovers. Jesus again tried to give the apostles a little rest. He sent them by boat to cross to the other side of the water. Jesus stayed and dismissed the crowd. Then he went up the mountain to spend time alone in prayer to his Father. Jesus returned to the shore and saw the apostles “making headway painfully,” so he walked on the water toward them.
Miracle, comfort—and work!
Just think about the emotional and physical roller coaster the apostles were riding. They needed a break but didn’t get one. Instead, they did instant event management, including catering a meal in the middle of nowhere. They did have the energy boost of seeing Jesus perform a great miracle by taking a snack and turning it into a meal for thousands. But now they were battling and losing against the wind when Jesus showed up. Jesus spoke words of comfort, and his presence calmed both the men and the water.
He can see and he will help
There will be times when we try to do the right thing as we slow down and rest only to find our rest interrupted by someone with a need. There will also be times when we go in the direction Jesus has given us and find ourselves making headway painfully. In these moments we may wonder if we heard Jesus correctly. We may also find ourselves discouraged by the headwinds.
In these moments it will be helpful to remember that Jesus can see us from the shore. He can see our struggle and fatigue. And likely, even before we can pray, we may discover he is already headed our way for the rescue.
Jesus will always be ahead of us in knowing what we need and never late in his arrival to help. We can trust him to calm our storms and take away our fears just as he did for his first followers.
Your time with God’s Word
Mark 6:30-52 ESV
Photo by Spring Fed Images at Unsplash.
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