Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (NRSV)

Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on biblegateway.com

Verse 30The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. Verse 31He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Verse 32And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Verse 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. Verse 34As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Verse 53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. Verse 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, Verse 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Verse 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Devotion

The apostles returned from their mission and reported to Jesus. People were coming and going in a whirlwind of activity around his ministry. So what does Jesus do in the midst of this commotion? He calls a timeout. “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while,” he told them.

It’s hard to get away. I always say to myself, “I’ll take some time off when things settle down.” That’s what amazes me about our reading today – Jesus calls them to rest in the midst of their busyness.

What would happen if we did that? Would the world come to a halt? Would we receive angry telephone calls? Who knows? I do know there is great wisdom in Jesus’ words. Jesus had compassion on his disciples. He called a timeout. Look at your life today. Do you need to get away and rest?

Prayer

Lord God, bring rest and refreshment to our lives. Hear our prayers for those who are weary and worn out. May they find rest on their journey. Amen.

Mike Struck Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Casper, Wyo.

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