Dave’s Monday Blast – March 13, 2017
There is a very interesting story told in Mark 6 that relates well to this discussion we have been having on “Rest” or a “Sabbath”. The context is that the disciples were sent out by Jesus on a discipleship mission, (v.12). We are told that that “they went out and preached that men should repent.” There is much to the story that you can read, but the long and short of it is, as they returned from their labor (v. 30-31) Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
What is rest? That which recharges and refuels our souls!
Notice the three markers that help us understand that we are actually resting…we are actually experiencing “Sabbath”.
- Jesus told them to “Come away with me to a secluded place”(v. 31 & 32).Is Jesus part of your rest?
- Jesus told them to “Come away with others”(v. 31 & 32).Meaning come away with me and with my people. The people who you trust, who will feed into your soul things of the Spirit. Seek out His people during your “Sabbath”.
- Jesus told them to “Come away with me and my people to a secluded place”.A quiet, peaceful place where there is no agenda; nothing to produce or access.
If your “Sabbath is not consistent with these three markers then it is not a true “Sabbath”. You need to reevaluate, retool, reconsider and reformulate. Remember…”Sabbath” is not a suggestion, it is a command. Think of these two words: ABOUND and ABIDE. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 we are told to abound in His work. In John 15:4 we are told to abide in Him. My friends…you cannot sustain the command to abound if you don’t first abide. Abiding is a very INTENTIONAL choice. Choose well this day.
That’s good isn’t it!
