Rest

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves and rest for a while". Mark 6:30,31

The disciples had been sent out two by two to minister, it had been their turn and now they had returned full of news.

Jesus often withdrew to rest and pray and be renewed and this was an important part of His ministry and would be of theirs. He was giving them the complete picture.

However the crowd saw them and followed them. So stepping ashore Jesus had compassion on them, for they were 'like sheep without a shepherd.' So He ministered to them.

The disciples knew that they were in a wilderness and that the people would need feeding. Jesus challenged them with, "You give them something to eat." He was bringing them into another realm, the realm of miracles. No tired thinking yet, press in one more time.

The disciples were in the natural thinking, buying bread, Jesus was in the supernatural. He said, "How many loaves do you have? Go and look." They discovered they had 5 loaves and 2 fish. They not only had bread they had fish, above and beyond what they wanted.

Now He would show them a miracle. He fed 5000 men alone and collected 12 baskets full of left overs.

The disciples still had not drawn aside for a rest and now they were spiritually empty. Jesus sends them off in a boat to Bethsaida while He stays and prays. A storm comes up and they are afraid. Jesus saw them being battered by waves as they rowed so He went to them walking on the water.

Jesus was in control, He was in the Spirit. The disciples were learning a powerful lesson which they would later comprehend. Jesus was above circumstance.

When I am tired I must draw aside for refreshing so that the life in me is 'Spirit' not human wisdom and strength.

He is the source of life for me, the word ministeres to me and refreshes me, cleanses me, gives me vision. I have to make time for refreshing, I need it and otheres around me benefit as I am refreshed.

Salvation belongs to our God and Him alone. Amen!