Mark 6:14-31

“And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” (Mark 6:31, NKJV)

It had been a busy time of ministry and missions, and now the apostles returned to Jesus and told Him everything they had done and taught. These are the rhythms of life: work followed by rest…and work again. But how important it is that in between we come to Jesus, making room for Him in our schedules. If we are too busy to come away with Jesus, then we are too busy. For we are His beloved bride, and He desires to spend time with us.

“My beloved spoke, and said to me: ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’” (Song of Solomon 2:10, NKJV)

These are intimate moments of spiritual renewal where we know Jesus and hear His voice. Some of us call it “our quiet time.”

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

In the traffic of life and weariness of the journey, are we pulling off the highway into the rest stop? Are we giving Jesus the opportunity to minster to us and wash our feet?

“Peter said to Him, ‘You shall never wash my feet!’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.’” (John 13:8, NKJV)

We are not called to be mavericks, working independently from our Lord. We must be part of Him, joining Him in His work and being washed with His word. We must sit at His feet and let Him work in us to will and to do according to His good purpose. We must return to our first love. This is the better part that will endure.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, NKJV)

Amen. So be it, Lord.