Respite!

For Sunday, August 15, 2021

Mark 6:32 NLT: “Jesus and his apostles left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.”

Ministry can be all-consuming, 24/7. It can be hard work. Jesus and the apostles needed a little break to recharge their batteries, so-to-speak. They thought leaving on a boat and going to the other side of the lake would give them that respite.

But the people would have none of it. They had heard His teaching. They were eyewitnesses to the miracles, and they wanted more! In those days, boats would sail close enough to visualize the shoreline - in deep-enough water to accommodate the boat, but able to see the shore so nobody got lost! Therefore the throng could easily track Jesus’ progress from the sideline, follow, and be there to meet them on the other side. The crowd weren’t taking “no” for an answer!

And what about us nowadays? Are we so all-consumed with our Savior that we’d drop everything and follow him along the shore; follow him wherever he goes? Do we accept “no” for an answer, or do we want more?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406