THE BEAUTY OF A BOAT RIDE

“And He said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’  For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat'” - Mark 6:31

What day is it?  Wasn’t it yesterday that we just celebrated Christmas?  You mean summer is almost here already?  The sayings are all to familiar to us all.  Time flies and we are busy.

Jesus’ ministry was in full swing by now.  The disciples had just heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded.  It was a somber and sad day. They were so busy in ministry that they didn’t even stop to grab a quick bite at In-N-Out!  Emotionally they are drained, physically they are lacking, and spiritually they needed to be recharged.  How?  By spending some solitude time with Jesus. 

They probably thought, “Good idea Lord, let’s get to that deserted place.  No cell phones, no demands, nap time!  Oh, we all need a vacation!”  Yet that’s not what Jesus meant.  For on the other side was a multitude to minister to and He knew it!  I’m sure Jesus was seeing the demand, and their weariness, and knowing what was on the horizon as their Good Shepherd He stepped in to say, “Let’s go guys”.  

"But where’s the rest?” they might say.  "Where’s the vacation that is so needed?  Lord, I’m tired and spent.”  Listen, it’s found in the boat with Jesus!  That’s the beauty of a boat ride with Jesus.  It’s not about getting somewhere all the time and getting things done.  It’s about spending some time with the Creator of it all.  

Friend, we all need to rest physically.  We all need vacations from time to time to recharge.  Summer is a good time for that.  But is your soul resting spiritually?  Don’t neglect those times when the Lord says, “Let’s get away together for a moment.  You need it and I’ve got something to share with you”.  You’ll be blessed and refreshed in the beauty of that boat ride with Jesus! 

God bless,
Pastor Jesse