“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.”
Mark 6:31-44 KJV
When I first hear God drop on my spirit “rest,” my mind immediately goes to physically slowing down. Sitting on my couch and sleep become a priority. Stopping all of the ripping and running daily is at the top of my to do list.
Today though in my current “slow down” due to health, I began to search the scriptures for times when Jesus went alone or told others to rest.
Why did I chose this particular subject or topic of study? Well, I have tons of work and personal responsibilities. People depend upon me. In my life between work and family, I feel as scripture states above, there were many coming and going, and at times I barely have time to eat. Recently God is insisting that I slow down and rest whether I want to or not.
I’ve heard many sermons preached from these verses. There are so many “nuggets” in this section of scripture! I usually don’t choose this large of a span of scripture- but you’ll understand why I referenced all this toward the end.
Rest is defined several ways. It could refer to physically laying down. It could mean to be motionless. It possibly could reference being free from anxiety or care.
Along with the definition of rest, I recognize that God is funny and has His own way to get his point across. His ways aren’t ours. He knows every hair on each of our heads and tailors His instructions to us personally. For me He gently reminds me through minor sicknesses that I need to rest and take care of me.
As I constantly tell people and attempt to remind myself – YOU CANNOT POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP!!
Excuse me, as I digress…
Lately, I haven’t taken my getaway weekends or taken time to just chill. I’ve have numerous projects for at least 4 or 5 work clients, a 15 year old grandniece, and gracefully aging mother along with a 25 year old nephew that doesn’t ask for much but still has needs.
I approach all this including my business as ministry. I approach my family as ministry. My writing is ministry. I’m busy. Not to prop myself up but, I feel like there are times when God says to me just like Jesus told the disciples- “rest a while…”
Rest a while!!?? God, don’t you know I have responsibilities? Just as in scripture, the people keep coming. I still have people, tasks, and stuff to do! I believe at times things can’t happen without me!
God said to “rest” – even though the folk and their needs are still right in front of you. When God told the disciples to “rest” in Mark 6 it meant more than physical rest. It meant rest in Him. It meant to trust in Him.
Just as the disciples reacted when God said rest physically and in Him – the gift of administration comes forth strong in me. We, or at least I, try to direct how rest is going to happen. Control instincts take completely over! We start to tell God what the plan is instead of seeking Him for the plan. The disciples said/told God – “send them away” so they can get what they need. They FORGOT who they were talking to, attempting to problem solve. What’s amazing in this account is – they tried to give Jesus answers for the people who were in need. God is the Provider – Jehovah Jireh. He is the source and Creator. He already knew what they needed.
Today’s daily scripture while writing this through the Bible app is casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7 KJV) That request/command includes all the care and responsibilities you have for others.
Let’s go back to Mark 6 – when the disciples finally stopped directing and suggesting, the question was asked what they had. God took over once they shifted their thoughts of who was responsible for action. A miracle was then provided. With God responsible – a little fed thousands!
When the disciples “rested”- they relied and trusted in the Creator and Alpha & Omega! Their ministry through Him was effective and touched thousands of people with little resources.
That’s something to ponder for those of us that are responsible for many people and tasks. Stop trying to figure things out on your own,, take inventory of what you have, and get quiet and still to be able to rely on the One who can supply the answers.
lifeandgodliness 