Devotion for Wednesday, June 17
T * I * M * E
Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate
place and rest a while." For many were coming
and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31
Have you ever seen the phrase: "Love is spelled T-I-M-E"? I believe that this is a true statement. And, isn't it a wonderful thing to know that our Friend Jesus wants to spend time with us, just simply to be with us. He has no hidden agenda. There is nothing self-serving behind his invitation.
Mark 6 describes a very busy part in our Lord's earthly ministry. The crowds had grown and grown and grown. Many people desperately needed healing. Others had come to hear Jesus' teaching, especially his teaching about the love and grace of God the Father. Parents brought little ones to be blessed.
In spite of all these pressing demands, Jesus stopped. He saw the needs of the crowds. But he also saw the fatigue of his disciples. He knew they were hungry. He was tired and hungry himself. He wanted time to rest, to eat, to spend some quiet moments with his friends. So - he took it.
Jesus is just as busy today. The Bible tells us he is holding the universe together. He is listening to each one of our prayers and answering them. He is praying for each believer.
Even in all of this, Jesus longs to spend time with us. He whispers kind words, gentle words asking us to "Come away. Be with me by yourself for a while. Let me feed your spirit with my words of promise. Let me give you the rest only I can give. Be still and know that I am your God."
Day by day our Savior extends this invitation to us. He welcomes us into his presence. During this time of uncertainty he calls us to come away, trust, rest in his promises. Don't wait! Don't wait for some less stressful time. Come! Come away!
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, forgive us for neglecting time with you. Remind us of how refreshing your presence is and how much we need to spend time there. Amen.
Pastor Ruth
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