Interruptions

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 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 have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

But the multitude saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. And Jesus when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:30-34

 

Father in heaven, how grateful we are to have this record of what life was like for Jesus when He lived as a man on this earth. How comforting to know that He knows exactly how we feel because He has been in similar situations.

We see ourselves in this story. Perhaps we need to spread out before Jesus all that we have done and taught- the joys, success, disappointments, mistakes, failures, our drifting motives, desires, dreams, conflicts and difficulties. Perhaps we have snatched fragmented times for this, but chunks of unhurried time have been squeezed out by the constant demands of others. Now we are frazzled, desperate for time to recharge, reassess and rest in Your presence. Perhaps You are telling us that we need to get away for a complete break. If so, please open-up the way for that to happen.

Perhaps we are one of the seeking crowd. How wonderful it is to know that Jesus’ compassion is the same yesterday, today and forever. He always has time for us. He will never cast us out, never say, “Come back at a more convenient time.”

We also see that much of Jesus’ life was about interruptions. Help us today to embrace rather than endure the interruptions and consider that they are Your will for the moment, that everything which happens is a part of what You are doing in our lives. We look to You for strength, wisdom and peace for this.

Oh, how we need to have Jesus, our faithful and true Redeemer, live out His life in us today and to be the answer to all our questionings. We ask for this please in His name. Amen

 

Supporting Verses

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. John 6:37

 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

 

A man’s heart plans his way,

But the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

 

There are many plans in a man’s heart,

Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel- that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

 

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;

It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23