

Mark 6:30-34 - 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. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
I love the good sense Jesus shows here. When the disciples come back from their preaching tour, Jesus says, "Come away by yourselves and rest awhile." He knows how badly they need a break. Unfortunately, it all goes wrong when the people figure out where they're going—and run around the lake to get there first. Their quiet vacation spot turned out to have thousands of needy people waiting. Now what?
I'd be surprised if there wasn't some grumbling from the disciples. But Jesus looks at all those people ruining His plans and ... He has compassion. He sees how needy they are. He calls them "sheep without a shepherd." And so He makes Himself their Shepherd, and starts giving them what they need.
But what about the disciples? While the story doesn't say so straight out, it looks like the disciples are taking a break while He teaches—maybe under a shady tree somewhere. They come back to Him about dinner time (see verse 35).
There are times in our lives when we too just really need a chance to rest—and God wants that for us! But there are other times when human need completely swamps our ability to take a break, and we have to ask God to provide us with the strength to go on. What should we do this time—stop and rest, or keep going? So often that's a hard call, and we need the Holy Spirit's help to figure it out.
But whatever we end up deciding, it helps to remember that we too are Jesus' sheep, and our needs are important to Him, just like the needs of the people we care for. He is our Good Shepherd, and He doesn't forget that we need rest. After all, He loves us. He is the One who died and rose again so we could live forever with God in peace and joy; He's definitely not going to overlook our smaller, daily needs.
WE PRAY: Lord, You know when I'm exhausted. Please give me rest, and also give me what it takes to do the work You've trusted me with. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. When were you exhausted and God gave you rest?
2. In your opinion of yourself personally—do you tend to overdo, or quit too early?
3. Is there an area of your life where you're having a hard time finding the balance between rest and service? Take some time to pray about it.
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Kings 19-21 Galatians 5
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