Compassion

 

Mark 6:30-34

No Rest

  ³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." ³²So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 

What does Jesus teach us when the obvious need for rest and refreshment was so evident?  The needs of others take precedence over personal needs,  A tough formula to follow! We can feel the fatigue and weariness of the hungry, tired apostles, and yet the needs of the people came first.  We can imagine that eventually the Apostles had their rest, even if it were years later when they entered Paradise.  A sobering thought when we find ourselves weary and wondering how much more we can offer to others. God knows our needs and provides, often in ways that surprise us.  May we attempt to find rest and refreshment on this day of rest, but if we don't, let us be assured that God knows our need and will eventually satisfy it.

Bro. Rene