Relax

Today’s Gospel Text:  The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:30-34

Reflection: Did anyone say that the Lord doesn't want to us to work like Donkeys? He desires that we don’t work like one but when we are lead into situations which demands then he expects us to work and yet provides the strength to do so. 

If he could provide Samson (Jdgs. 13-16) the strength to bring down the mighty walls in his weakest moments then what is it for him to equip his beloved servants who have made themselves slaves for the sake of the Gospel.  

He has promised that “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isa 40:31

Here too in the gospel we see that he desired that the disciples take a break from their hard labor and come aside and rest awhile and that they may eat and be nourished and sustain themselves.

But the crowd seemed to outsmart them and go on feet ahead of them and Jesus has compassion on them and he began to teach them many things (vs. 34d)

This also shows that when we have labored well and we reach a stage wherein we are too tired and out, then Jesus takes over and continues from where we have left. 

It is as if the Lord takes over, we have only to rest back and allow him to go forward.

To those in ministry and active in the Lord’s vineyard, it is imperative that we take this message of the Lord’s concern to heart. 

There are times he takes us through long periods of hibernation and everything seems to be a failure and a loss and yet through this entire situation the Lord can work his wonders; for he is the Lord of all ages.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of yesterday, today and forever and nothing is impossible with him who is the Lord of all time and season. Can he not turn what is loss into profit?

Prayer:  Lord teach me to relax in your love and grace from all my busy schedules.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us