The past weeks have been stressful for us on two fronts. The first was dealing with my Dad’s health issues and passing, which you are probably aware of. The second was a festering issue in the church we attended and supported (and they us) for nearly ten years. I won’t air any dirty laundry on these pages. Suffice it to say that the new pastor (of two years) and I have a different vision for the church, ministry, and the Word. Instead of being a thorn in his side, we have withdrawn from that body with blessings. We bless their work, and they bless ours. Did I mention that it has been a stressful seven weeks?
The word the Lord is dropping on my heart now is rest. Jesus said something similar to his disciples. “The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (Mark 6:30–31a, NASB 2020)
Before this, Jesus had sent out the disciples to minister and declare God’s kingdom to the various cities and villages in the region. Mark interposes the stressful account of John the Baptist’s beheading between their sending and return. Upon their return, Jesus calls them aside to rest for a while.
There is a balance of work and rest throughout the pages of the Bible. God rested after the six days of creation. The Law of Moses has several times of rest, both the weekly sabbath rest and various feasts throughout the year. While Jesus warned us not to take our hands from the plow, he also told us to come to Him for rest. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, NASB 2020) There is a time for ministry, service, labor, passion, and care. There is also a time to rest.
During that time of rest, we can deflate from the worries and cares we carry. In those moments, we can reflect on God’s goodness in the storm and receive healing for our wounded hearts. In rest, we also recharge, refocus, and reevaluate.
This doesn’t mean Betty and I will stop everything. Lambchow continues, even during a season of rest. Our small group, which meets weekly for word, worship, and prayer for one another, continues. But for a season, we will rest instead of serving in a local church. For a while, we will attend the church of which our daughter and son-in-law are a part. This could be a rest stop or our new church family. That part is in God’s hands. During this season of rest, we intend to recharge, refocus, and reevaluate where God is leading. You see, the interesting thing is what comes next in Mark’s Gospel.
The next event after their short moment of rest is the mighty miracle of feeding over 5000 folks with nothing but two loaves of bread and five fish. I don’t know if what is next on God’s calendar for us is quite that dramatic, but I know it will glorify God and proclaim the love of Christ.
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