Come Away with God

Mark 6:30-32 "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them: "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

The disciples had just come back driving out demons and healing the sick. They were exhilarated for sure over the new power that they had; they were, after all, just simple folk, yet here they were being followed by thousands. Jesus knew what was going on in their heads and hearts. They were tired and hungry also so Jesus told them in verse 31 what to do. It was like He was putting up His hands and telling them, "Whoa! Wait a minute!"

His prescription applies to us today. We get caught up with all the things we have to do. We feel heady when we succeed. We move at such a hurried pace that at times we forget to eat. Jesus tells us--

1. Come with Me
2. by yourselves
3. to a quiet place
4. and get some rest

In another verse (Matthew 11:28), Jesus tells us, "Come to me all who labor and I will give you rest." it is in Jesus where we can find rest for our souls but we need to do something first. We are told to COME. There is an intention in this word, our will complying with His will.

While Bible study, fellowship with believers and worship services are wonderful, we must find times to be BY OURSELVES with Jesus. A one-on-one time is intimate and develops our relationship with Him. It deepens our understanding of His love for us.

We won't be able to hear Him over the din and distractions of the world. We need to seek Him out in a QUIET PLACE where we can fully focus on Him. Its like having a date with your spouse -- you usually choose a place that is quiet when you just want to talk.

REST, the kid that refreshes the soul and gives peace, can only come from Jesus. He tells us, "BE STILL and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) When the full impact of the knowledge of WHO He is is realized, how can we NOT surrender our willfulness? But our humanness still makes us doubt, worry and struggle. REST can only be found in Christ. We only need to allow ourselves to go when he says "Come with me...".

(Photo credit: www.clutteredgenius.com)