Mark 6:31 “Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he (Jesus) said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Our lives revolve around such a fast-paced and relentless schedule that the phrase, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” certainly rings true.   However, it seems time flies on those stinky days, too!  James 4 states it a bit more civilized by referring to life as a vapor, appearing for a little while then vanishing away.    As I write these words, I have a pot of soup simmering on my stove and I can see the steam rising into my kitchen.  But just as quickly as it rises, it vanishes.  With every element of our life tied to time, we are in hot pursuit of seeing how much we can accomplish before our vapor disappears. Unfortunately, the side effect leaves us exhausted in both body and soul.

Jesus’ days were also filled with fast paced obligations that physically and emotionally drained his humanness.  The scriptures offer us glimpses of the whirlwind schedules of Jesus and his apostles.  In Mark 6, Jesus sent out the twelve by themselves for the first time.  They returned to Jesus filled with adrenaline and anxious to report all they had done and taught.  The apostles reported to Jesus how THEY cast out demons.  The apostles told Jesus how THEY healed the sick.  But what had they forgotten to mention?  Jesus.  Had they forgotten it was by Jesus’ authority and power they had done this? (vs. 7)

The apostles’ focus had shifted from the authority and power of Jesus to their own authority and power.  Jesus immediately recognized their need of biblical rest.  So, in Mark 6:31, we find Jesus instructing his twelve, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV)  What Jesus recommended went beyond physical rest to a rest that would refill both body and soul.  Let’s look at this biblical rest.

“Come”– This word indicates leaving our current location and the distractions that surround us.

“With me” – Remember Jesus is speaking, so biblical rest requires time with Jesus.

“By yourselves” – Our crazy, busy lives find us surrounded on all sides by other humans.  In order for us to have the biblical rest found in Mark 6, we need alone-time with Jesus.

“To a quiet place” – The noise of this world can keep us from hearing the voice of God.  Quietness is a precious gift that helps us refocus on the power, truth, and love of our gracious God.

“And get some rest.” – The Mark 6 recipe for biblical rest refuels both body and soul.

Finding a way to remove ourselves from the distractions and crises of each day is no easy task.  Distractions surround us and monopolize every moment of our day:  spilled milk on the floor, the telemarketer on the phone, an empty refrigerator, etc., etc., etc.!  Cumulatively, these leave us at the point of exhaustion, and as with the apostles long ago, we can lose our focus on Jesus.  Exhaustion can cause us to overlook the mighty power of God in our lives.  Exhaustion can cause us to overlook God’s care and guidance in our lives.  And, exhaustion can cause us to feel as if everything depends on us and our own abilities.  And, oh how tragic if we forget by whose authority we thrive.  Sisters, remember if Jesus needed rest, so do we.  So, listen to the voice of Jesus saying, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Father God, help me crave quiet time alone with You. 

Blessings of Rest,

Rita Cochrane