| “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.” – Mark 6:30 |
|---|
| Resting is Part of Your Responsibilities Our verse to date reveals how the apostles returned from the ministry assignment Jesus had given to them a few verses earlier (Mark 6:7-12) and gave Him their ministry report. One can imagine the excitement as they told Jesus what they had been doing and what they had been teaching. I liken it to hearing testimonies from a group from our church after they returned from a mission trip. Regardless of any challenges they may have faced their testimonies are filled with what God did THROUGH them and IN them. It is a glorious and wonderful time. As you consider Mark 6:30 I invite you to picture the full scene. Picture first Jesus with His disciples as they receive their assignment. Hopefully, you can see the anticipation on their faces as He sends them out to share the good news. Picture them responding with obedience and going out to preach and minister. Mark 6:12 says, “So they went out and preached that people should repent.13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” While we are not sure how much time goes by picture now the return of these busy disciples to the feet of Jesus to give to Him a glorious report. Can you picture Jesus LISTENING? Can you see Him SEEING them as they told their stories of being used to impact lives? One must wonder if Jesus is smiling as they tell of people repenting and people being healed. I think He was. While Mark 6:30 does not reveal a response from Jesus, in the next verse (Mark 6:31) we can tell Jesus was very INTERESTED and INVOLVED in hearing what they had been doing as He responds with, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” The reporting by the disciples of fulfilling their responsibilities brought a reply of recognition from Jesus that they now needed to REST. Please pause to picture what took place here. Please!!! See Jesus sending His disciples out with responsibilities. See them fulfilling their responsibilities. Now see Him listening to their reports! SEE HIM now sending – INSTRUCTING – His disciples to REST! In response to hearing the report of fulfilling their responsibilities, Jesus tells them to GET SOME REST! Personal note: I read once a story that I could readily personalize. It goes, “I used to think that since the devil never takes a vacation, neither should I. But then I remember that the devil is not my role model nor my teacher!” Friends, Jesus is your role model and your teacher. Jesus fulfilled His responsibilities. (John 17:4) As He fulfilled His responsibilities Jesus took naps. (Luke 8:23 NLT). Jesus told His disciple to come apart and rest. Mark 6:31 So, as you fulfill your responsibilities, I trust you will have the opportunity to share your report of what God did through you and in you. As well, as you fulfill your responsibilities, there must be times when you come apart and REST OR you will come a part. How well do you REST? Do you understand that getting rest is part of your responsibilities? Verse to DATE the Word on June 30 (6/30) is Mark 6:30. It says, “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.” Mentoring note: We must “work” at resting. Be intentional to relax and rest and restore and replenish. And you must rest and do those other things as He has more for you to do!! (See Mark 6:32) Continue Strong fulfilling your responsibilities which include resting, And remember to DATE the Word |