Dear Friends
Many people take a break sometime in July/August, the summer holiday period. It can be a time to lap up the sunshine, enjoy a slower pace of life or do an activity unafforded during the busy working weeks.
In the gospel, we discover that Jesus promoted times that changed the pace of life. Following the death of John the Baptist, Jesus said, “come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat”. (Mark 6:31 NKJV).
I like the way the King James Version translates the verse, its both poetic and tender, ‘come aside by yourselves… and rest a while’. The 17th to 18th century Christian, Matthew Henry, writes, ‘the most active servants of Christ cannot be always upon the stretch of business, but have bodies that require some relaxation, some breathing-time…’ sometimes we must slow down, and come off ‘the stretch of business’ to use Henry’s wonderful expression.
It wasn’t long until the disciples were plunged back into ministry and the business of life, so take the break that is afforded and enjoy it. As the disciples took rest, they did that with Jesus, he with them, and they with he.
I hope that you get chance to enjoy some rest over the next couple of months.
God bless,
Gavin