Stewardship Of LeisureSample

Rest Is A Discipline That Is Needed

We often pride ourselves in our work ethic, but we must admit that we are addicted to work! We often find our identity in “what we do”, whatever our job or profession is. Therefore, when we aren’t actively engaged in that profession, we often feel lost or worry that we are being lazy or forgetting something important that needs to be done

We tend to think that in order to please God, we need to be doing something. But in the passage in Mark 6:31, we find that in the midst of crushing crowds, demons being cast out, and even the forces of nature being overcome; Jesus makes a point and carves out time to rest

Jesus practiced this discipline as we find in Mark 6:31 (RSV) Jesus tells his disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 

The context of this verse is that Jesus had sent them out on a mission (Mark 6:7-13). They were eminently successful (vs. 13). Upon their return to Jesus, they told him of all they had done (vs. 30).

But Jesus doesn’t greet them with praise or encouragement. Nor does he correct them or do an assessment of their work, as one might expect from a teacher. 

Rather, he looks deeper and sees their need. They are weary, tired, worn out by the constant coming and going of the crowds that follow them. So rather than praise or affirm, encourage or critique, Jesus invites them to come away, to find a moment of solitude, and to rest. 

It is in this context that Jesus responded with these words in Mark 6:31.

The RSV Version translates the word ‘rest’ as leisure. The Greek word for rest is anapauo, which means to abstain from work in order to be rejuvenated and restore strength. It is often translated “be refreshed”

The picture here is of physical rest for rest is powerful and we must not miss it. Resting for the disciples did not mean the end of spiritual work. Their physical resting prompted by Jesus is in order that they be spiritually strong and vigilant and not slack off in their spiritual obligations. Physical rest therefore, is always subordinate to spiritual responsibility.

Jesus knew his disciples better than they knew themselves. Jesus shows us here both by instruction and example to draw a boundary around work and take time for leisure to be refreshed.

This also means that Jesus knows us far better than we will ever know ourselves. So when He asks us to rest, He knows what He is saying.

In these verses we find a wisdom that all of us need to hear. There is a time for activity and a time for rest.

Vacations, time away, relaxation, leisure time, all of this is necessary and right for the child of God. There certainly is no reason for us to feel bad about taking that break. From time to time we need to have our batteries recharged. What that means for some may not be the same for others, but we need to rest! And it is a discipline that must be practiced.

Get some rest so that you can labor. No rest means poor service. Come apart, Jesus says and rest a while. Then when your work is done, you can rest forever.

Quote: “How sweet is rest after fatigue! How sweet will heaven be when our journey is ended.” - George Whitefield

Prayer: Lord, help me to discipline myself to take time off for rest and leisure in order to be refreshed. Amen