MARK 6:30-32 – The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.”

Theme of the Day. THE NECESSITY OF REST.    What did God do on the seventh day of His creative work?  We are provided the answer in the opening of the second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis – Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. ² And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done (Genesis 2:1-2).

God rested.  Obviously, this does not mean the Lord was weary, tired, and needed to rest.  No, God was modeling for us what we are to do and what is best for us.  We need to rest, and the implication is that one day of the week should be given over for rest physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  In today’s scripture, the Lord Jesus commands His disciples to pull away from the world, all the demands of serving Him, and rest. So, with that introduction, let’s consider rest.

First, our Lord Jesus gives a command to rest.  Why the command? Rest is not optional.  We need it. It is necessary.  It has been said, “If we don’t come apart and rest, we will come apart.”  Be constantly burning the midnight oil from our vocation to our service for the Lord, and even our obsession to achieve something, and it is only a matter of time before we crash and burn physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When that painful experience becomes reality, do we know what suffers the most? Relationships. All relationships. Wearied people in need of rest become irritable, impatient, easily angered, and frankly, will tarnish a testimony for the Lord Jesus. And since rest is a command, to not do so is disobedience.

Another thing about rest is we need it.  We are frail people.  We break with ease emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  And when we are in need of rest, the soil is fertile for temptations and the attacks of Satan.  When did Satan tempt our Lord Jesus? In the wilderness after forty days of fasting.  We need rest to recharge our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical batteries.  And rest is just that, rest.  We don’t mix recreation, exercise, or entertainment with rest.  Its purpose is to cease exhausting activities, even desirous activities, so our hearts, minds, bodies, and emotions may be quiet and rest.

So, how are we doing when it comes to resting?  Admittingly, it is difficult for we live in a restless culture, one filled with busyness, and often self-imposed busyness leaving us exhausted that damages all areas of our lives.

PRAYER: “Father, help me to follow Your example as You did after creation; You rested.”

QUOTE: “Rest is a gift from God and a responsibility to us.”