Monday, November 8, 2010

True Rest



 The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus 
and reported on all that they had done and taught. 
Jesus said, "Come off by yourselves; 
let's take a break and get a little rest." 
For there was constant coming and going. 
They didn't even have time to eat. 

 So they got in the boat and went off 
to a remote place by themselves. 
Someone saw them going and the word got around. 
From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, 
running, and got there ahead of them. 
When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. 
At the sight of them, his heart broke—l
ike sheep with no shepherd they were. 
He went right to work teaching them. 

When his disciples thought this had gone on long enough—
it was now quite late in the day—they interrupted: 
"We are a long way out in the country, and it's very late. 
Pronounce a benediction and 
send these folks off so they can get some supper."
Jesus said, "You do it. Fix supper for them."
   They replied, "Are you serious? 
You want us to go spend a fortune on food for their supper?"
But he was quite serious.
 
Mark 6:30-38a msg 



It all just seems too much
this clambering crowd—
their endless needs,
always one more thing to do,
one more meal to make,
one more mess to clean up.

I need my time.

I deserve it.

When I want it.

How I think it should look.

Right?

I work hard.

I'm with them all day long.

I should be rewarded.

Right?

Where do I find the strength to do one more thing?




And taking the five loaves and two fish, 
He looked up to heaven and, praising God, gave thanks 
and broke the loaves and kept on giving them to the disciples 
to set before the people; 
and He [also] divided the two fish among [them] all.

   And they all ate and were satisfied.

Mark 6:41-42 amp 


"Bring what you have to Me."

That is what I hear You whisper 
to my heart. 

Look up to heaven,
praise Me,
give thanks for what you have been given. 
I can provide all you need.

Let me lead.


Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: 
"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. 
You're not in the driver's seat—I am. 
Don't run from suffering; embrace it. 
Follow me and I'll show you how. 
Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, 
my way, to finding yourself, your true self. 
What good would it do to get everything you want 
and lose you, the real you?

Luke 9:23-25 msg

2 comments:

Aimee said...

thankyou for this..putting your beautiful words to my heartfelt thoughts and at the same time leading me to much needed scripture!

Melinda S said...

Christa - this is just beautiful. It is such a pleasure getting to know you through SWSH and this beautiful blog.