WHEN HE CAME DOWN!

WHEN HE CAME DOWN!

Mark 6:46-48

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased:

          Jesus had just come down from a time away from ministry. He had gone up into a mountain alone to spend time with His heavenly Father. If this was necessary for Jesus then certainly it is needed by we who are weaker. Recreation is aptly named if we put a dash between the “e” and the “c” making it read re-creation. I think, for believers, it needs to be more than just fun and games. It requires a time for reflection and spiritual renewal.

          When He came down, Jesus found them “toiling in rowing.” His intention was to pass by and meet them on the other shore. I gather from this that it is not at all unusual that the disciples should be hard at work obeying Jesus’ commands. The wind is more often than not going to be contrary. We expect it to be otherwise.

          If we continue reading in Mark, we see just how necessary it was for Jesus to refresh Himself because He immediately launched into a frenzy of ministry. People needed Him but first He needed some time with the Father.

          During this time of vacationing when people vacate their jobs and duties for a period of rest or play, let’s not forget that our soul also needs refreshment which cannot be accomplished by a day at the beach. Spiritual refreshment requires a departure from the normal routine so that we may spend time with God. Don’t forget to include this in your vacation plans.

Dear Lord, thank you for being the model for my soul’s need for rest and refreshment. Help me to be sensitive to my need to occasionally climb the mountain and pray. AMEN