Articles
Rest for His Workers
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31a)
Hustle and bustle is a way of life in this part of the country. Work demands strain the body (and family ties) to the point of chronic injury. We often sacrifice the little time we do have trying to “get ahead”, whatever that means! Even our mandatory lunch breaks aren’t really mandatory anymore. Anyone actually taking a break is jeered at as weak and not up to the task. We pride ourselves in being used to it, but the reality is we are exhausted and only running oftentimes by the strength of stimulants. This entire thought process, so typical of our hyperactive society, is not in line with God’s intent for mankind. In fact, not resting is in direct defiance of God’s mandates.
Our Lord valued hard labor; He knew about late nights and early mornings. His crew often went without eating in order to attend to the crowds! But even He stepped in to force the disciples to rest. What does that say about us? Our Lord is compelling us to take some moments away from it all to spend time in prayer, with our families, and in rest! Rest is due to those weary from worthwhile labors. Moreover, attend to the fact that there is important work to be done in the kingdom, not just at the office. We must all work hard, but we must also rest. So, take some time alone this week to recuperate and commune with God. Great respite can be found in His tender embrace.
