The Gift of Rest

Jann Martin July 23, 2006

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Mark 5:21-43

Gospel Lesson

³⁰ The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ Then Jesus said, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest." There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. ³² They left by boat for a quieter spot. ³³ But many people saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and met them as they landed. ³⁴ A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.

⁵³ When they arrived at Gennesaret on the other side of the lake, they anchored the boat ⁵⁴ and climbed out. The people standing there recognized him at once, ⁵⁵ and they ran throughout the whole area and began carrying sick people to him on mats. ⁵⁶ Wherever he went-in villages and cities and out on the farms-they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed. (1)

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

In the first section of this mornings Gospel, verses 30-34, Jesus is welcoming back the disciples from their mission and teaching trip. Jesus knew they were tired and needed a well-deserved rest. He said to them, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest." There were so many people around them seeking healing and to listen to Jesus teaching that they were even having trouble finding time to stop to eat.

There are several references in the Bible of Jesus going to a "deserted place" for Himself. In this reading, however, Jesus is encouraging those who are doing ministry for Him to take time to rest. The crowds of people have many needs, but those serving them can't keep going and serving them unless they stop from time to time and get food and rest. Jesus encourages the disciples to move away from the crowds for a time to take a well-deserved rest.

It is very comforting to read these words in Mark and know that Jesus cares for those who are in the world ministering to His flock. He understands that we grow tired and need to stop for nourishment and rest. Our nourishment is not only food for the body, but food for the soul as well. As His disciples, we need to be fed by the words in the Bible and the fellowship we receive when we join together in worship. We all grow when we share in the worship service, as well as in time spent in quiet meditation.

In verse 34 Jesus refers to the people as sheep without a shepherd, and that He taught them many things. In our earlier reading of the 23rd Psalm, we hear how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. It is the shepherd who provides, guides and protects his sheep. So if we listen to Jesus' teachings, we will find He provides, guides and protects us. He will guide us to green pastures, quiet waters, and restore our souls. He will stand with us when we face difficult times and comfort us. As a sheep looks to its shepherd, we too can look to Jesus as the Good Shepherd and follow Him.

Our Stephen Ministers were just commissioned. They have received 50 hours of training to do the work Jesus has called them to do. They have been trained to listen, support and care for those who need reassurance that Jesus is always there for them. With confidentiality and love the Stephen Minister will be the Christ centered support that is needed.

We all need to rest from time to time. In a study on vacation time, it says that Americans on average take two weeks of summer vacation. While the Germans take an average of six weeks of summer vacation and the French take over five weeks. Americans work more and produce more, but work longer to accomplish this. The Germans and French also have other holidays throughout the year beside their summer vacation. Maybe we need to look at the way they have their system set up.

This summer I have been away more than I intended. I had my vacation to visit my daughter and her husband in Florida set up with an extra Sunday to drive there and back, when I found out that my nephew's graduation was the Sunday before I left on vacation. Then my niece was married on the 8th of July, and I needed that Sunday off. The following Sunday I had requested off, back in December, to work the final day of the Senior Golf Tournament at the Dearborn TPC. I understand some people were asking if I still worked here at Faith Community. I am glad to say I am very pleased to still be serving God's people here at Faith. Thank you for the days to take some rest.

The poor disciples and Jesus got in their boat and thought they were going to get a well-deserved rest. Jesus had recognized that they had been away for quite a while and had worked hard sharing the good news of Jesus and His ministry. He knew that they needed to take a break to eat, rest their bodies, and nourish their souls. When they arrived at the other side of the lake they found the people had run ahead and met them there. This is where the story of the feeding of the 5,000 is told. After the people were fed physically and spiritually, Jesus sent them on their way. Then Jesus had the disciples get back into their boat and told them He would meet them at Bethsaida. Before Jesus joined the disciples, He wanted to go up the mountain and pray for a while. Then He walked on the water to meet up with the disciples, frightening them in the process. Once Jesus was in the boat and they were again on their way, they went to Gennesaret to go ashore.

Once again, as we see in verse 54, crowds of people, who recognized Jesus, met them. They again had to postpone their vacation. These stories of spoiled vacations give us a chance to look at how Jesus tried to give His followers a break. We see that even though a second attempt at a break was stopped, that Jesus strongly feels that it is important that we all need to take a time for rest.

We physically, emotionally, and mentally need a time to slow down and take a break. We can have a mini vacation when we come to worship on Sunday morning. We put aside this time to sing, pray, listen and meditate on Jesus and what He has done for each of us. This time of worship can be seen as a glimpse of what heaven may be like, where we can continually worship and praise the Lord. Our time of worship is a time to thank God for all He has done in our lives, a time to take note of the many blessings in our lives, as well as the struggles that have strengthened our faith. It is also a time to put aside our troubles and just rest in the Lord.

We have seen in reading the Bible that Jesus commands us to bear others' burdens, clothe them, feed them, and listen to their struggles. We must also take note of His command in this reading to take time to eat and rest. Take a well-deserved vacation. By taking that time away you will have more energy and will be more productive. We can then be better stewards of our time, both at our jobs and in service to our Lord, if we take regular breaks.

Amen.

©Jann Martin 2006