Saturday, June 16, 2007
10:39 AM
Jesus was quite aware of this kind of problem in his day. As we will see, he repeatedly withdrew from crowds and activities. He taught his followers to do likewise. When the disciples returned from a busy time of ministry, Jesus told them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while", Mark explains that "many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat". That could be the motto for some people today. Some people imagine this to be a good thing that perhaps God will reward one day. "What a life you had!You were even too busy to eat. Well done!" But Mark did not mean this statement as a commendation. Jesus urged his disciples to take time out. Following Jesus cannot be done at a sprint. If we want to follow someone, we can't go faster than the one who is leading. We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives.. This does not mean we will never be busy. Jesus often had much to do, but he never did it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between him and his Father. He never did it ina way that interfered with his ability to give love when love was called for. Jesus was often busy, but never hurried.
Everyday responsibilities pull us in many directions, we each need times of solitude-times to withdraw, take a deep breath, focus on God, recharge, and evaluate.
Lord of Sabbath, help me to make rest and refreshment a priority, and free me from the need to be indispensable.
Jeffrey Tan was here.
