Manna From Heaven: 5 Days of Nourishment for the SoulSýnishorn

Downtime

During the summers while I was in college, I worked in a large sawmill that produced various sizes of lumber (i.e. 2x4, 2x6, 4x4, etc.). Each week, the sawmill would completely shut down for a couple shifts in order to perform regular maintenance. It was this downtime that allowed the normal working shifts to operate smoothly and be most productive.

Webster’s gives us the following definition for the word downtime,

“Time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs.”

In a world that values productivity even if it means burning out, it’s good to know that Jesus is a firm believer in taking downtime. We see a clear example of this in Mark 6 after Jesus sends his twelve apostles out on a ministry trip.

Mark 6:30 says, “The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.”

With the authority of their Master, these guys were teaching, preaching, anointing, praying, and casting (out demons). Things were happening. Momentum was building. Crowds were growing. Time to strike while the iron’s hot! Is Jesus going to expand the world tour? Not exactly.

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” (Mark 6:31)

In other words, “Let’s take a little vacation in order to recharge our batteries.”

This getaway after an exhausting ministry trip would allow them to refuel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Rather than halting progress, this downtime would allow the team to be even more fruitful and focused.

When the Creator of the universe invites you to rest, don’t hesitate to take Him up on it.

Reflection: Have you ever been so busy you didn’t even have time to eat? Schedule some downtime where you truly rest from your labors and allow God to recharge your batteries.