relationships (Matthew 14:22-24) Taking Time to Fellowship and Rest

(Matthew 14:22-24)

22 Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Jesus knew that it was time for both the disciples and the people to return home (probably for many reasons), some of which would have included:  to take care of the things at home for which they were responsible, but also to contemplate and mull over everything they had just witnessed and heard.  A good teacher would know not to overwhelm their students with too much information.  There's definitely a tipping point at which - if we try to take in too much - we'll struggle to retain even just the main points of all the valuable lessons and takeaways.

Now, remember that John the Baptist had just been executed, and Jesus' quiet time was interrupted with a multitude, which He just healed, nurtured and fed.  So now, Jesus made sure He got in this quiet time, not to mourn or fritter away, but to pray!  As an example for us to follow, Jesus began each day with prayer.  Just as He had rested on the seventh day, after creating everything!  And "resting" means taking time off from work-work, and using the time to worship and fellowship with God, as well as with other believers.  Right after creation, the Lord's fellowship would have included Adam and Eve.  

Even the world's psychologists have proven that it is unhealthy to isolate ourselves, and healthy to have some form of faith.  Well, here's the Lord God, who is sovereign (everywhere present, all-powerful, and all-knowing) who desires that we rest one day a week, as well as fellowship with other believers at least once a week, and fellowship with Him everyday!  Since the Lord created us, He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows what we need, and what we don't need.  

There are times when we need to be with other believers, and there are times we need to be alone with the Lord God!  And while we have that day of rest-rest, on all the other days, as we are work-working, and dealing with all other responsibilities, we are to rest in Him... which simply means to trust and rely on Him, giving Him all of our issues, time, energy and resources, and asking and allowing Him to do things FOR us, in us and through us!  I know, I say this a lot, but it's because I really do need this constant reminder!!!