Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 26

I could use some rest. How about you?

Do you realize that saying “yes” to rest, likely means saying “no” to something else?

In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.” (Mark 1:35-38)

Jesus needed rest too. He found renewal in quiet prayer with his Father. His “yes” to rest, helped him say “no” to opportunities that would drain his energy and undermine his purpose. Jesus told the disciples “no” to returning to Capernaum where a crowd of people were waiting to be healed. Moving on to neighboring towns to teach the way of God’s kingdom was the “yes” that fulfilled his mission. It was a difficult choice that meant some people who were seeking healing from Jesus would not receive it.

Saying “yes” to rest is a difficult choice for us too. We cannot do everything. The choice for rest and renewal will require deleting some activities from our busy calendars.

Following the way of Jesus will help us keep our priorities straight and our lives in balance.

Yours in Christ,

Marc