Come with Me

After his disciples had been out on their own doing some ministry, Jesus listened to the debrief and, seeing the crowd pressing in all around and the exhaustion the disciples were feeling, issued this invitation,

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (recorded in the book of Mark)

They jumped into a boat and headed across to the other side of the lake – by which time the crowd had anticipated their destination and arrived before them. Jesus graciously taught and then fed them.

It’s the kindness and concern evidenced by Jesus for his dear friends which I find so touching. He’d sent them on an errand; they’d done it and come back tired, though elated at the result. He knew they needed some down time – and they did get some, albeit only while on the lake crossing.

He looks at you and me today and notices how we are. He cares about how we are.

He issues the same invitation to us today. Come with me. Alone. Let’s have a little R&R. 

Do you ever do that? Slip away into a quiet room with your Bible? Head out on a walk into a lonely bit of countryside, where you can listen to him without distraction? 

Having a nap can be refreshing. But spending time with Jesus is not just refreshing. It’s restorative, rejuvenating, reviving joy from being in his presence.

I’m off for a walk now.