Today’s Reading, Mark 6-7
Focal Scripture: Mark 6:31 “He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”
Do you take time to rest? I have been involved in ministry long enough to tell you that not everyone values rest accurately. I have served on staffs where rest was valued. I have also served on staffs where ministry was more important than your personal health. Rest is the only way to truly recover mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Biblical rest is not laziness but a time to get with the Lord and have your spirit renewed through prayer and calm.
In today’s reading Jesus tells the disciples to come away and go to a remote place where they can rest. The disciples just got back from doing ministry. Ministry where they were traveling. Ministry where they were serving and healing others. This was suggested even when they were being bombarded with more people who needed help and food. Even when they tried to get away they were followed by the crowd who wanted their attention.
What we need to learn from today’s reading is this solemn truth; people will keep wanting from you even when you have nothing else to give. For us to be faithful ministers and have enough to give others our hearts and souls must be rejuvenated. We must learn to say no and even tell others in leadership that rest is not only necessary but biblical. This can lead to very difficult conversations.
I once had someone tell me that I could never miss a ministry programming event because I had to be present. To put this in perspective I was the only staff member that was expected to be at every church event and my days and nights were full of meetings and activities. One time I went 43 nights straight without seeing my family at night. The pastors response when I said I wasn’t going to go to an event that didn’t involve me “Well, that’s ministry bubba.” Then went on to tell me that I had to attend every event even though they were not attending certain events because they were tired and needed time with family.
Then I served at places that made personal health and quiet time a priority. These churches were healthy from top to bottom. Family time was expected and even asked about weekly. These churches had healthy staff and long tenures. It also taught the congregation that ministry is a part of a pastors life not their entire life.
If we don’t rest we miss a biblical command and expectation. If you think doing ministry is more important than resting you won’t have enough power to minister effectively. Take time to rest today. Take care of your family and take care of your soul. If Jesus did this often and commanded his disciples to do the same, it is very important for us as well.
Do you plan and implement rest? If not it is time to start.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Mark 8-9
