Pentecost 9
– Proper 11
July 22, 2018
Mark 6:30-44
What is Your Hideaway? V. 31
What is Your Hideaway? V. 31
Even
Jesus realized the need to get away from people and work to rest and recuperate
for later service. Modern life is often lived under high tension and intense
stress. There are the rush of work and the hectic schedule of activities.
Everyone needs a hideaway, a place of escape periodically.
Jesus prescribes a retreat for you
- Solitariness – “Come away by
yourselves.” Returning from their mission. The disciples were tired. Weary.
And exhausted. Jesus realized they needed to get away from the place as an
escape from the people and the work. They needed rest and refreshment.
This indicates that Jesus realized that we are humans and need relaxation
and rest.
The Savior chose a solitary place. He bid His disciples “come away by yourselves.” The
Savior calls each of us to be a part of a family. A fellowship. A community. A congregation. He
has placed you here at Friedheim. Where you can grow in faith. And serve God
and your neighbor. And be connected with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is important to be connected with fellow believers. One of the
advantages of this place. Is that we know each other. You worship with family.
Friends. And neighbors.
Yet from time to time it is necessary for each of us to get away.
Such was the case with Jesus’ disciples – Even more so with His 21st Century
disciples. There is a profound need for us to have a “quiet time” with our
Lord. This is what the Savior did in the lives of His disciples. He deliberately
took them from the noise and hustle of the world. To a solitary place.
Likewise, He desires to take us away from the hurried pace of this world.
Even though the work is of extreme importance. And people urgently
need help. These disciples needed some time off. He deliberately sent them
away.
We need this solitude in our lives today. We need to take the
time. To stop. And have our Savior speak to us. We need to take the time to
speak to our Savior in prayer. And then to listen to Him as He speaks to us in
His Word. “Faith comes by hearing…”
the Scriptures remind us. “And hearing
from the Word of Christ.”
Transition: The Lord took His disciples to a solitary place. He took them to
a place of seclusion.
- Jesus leads them
to a place of seclusion – He sent them
to a “Lonely place.” Is there a
place you can go to not simply to get away from it all? But also a place
where you can meet the Lord. This secluded space was designed by the
Savior so the crowds could not find them. Once secluded. You can spend
that needed time with the Savior. Without distractions. Some have referred
to it as a “prayer closet”. It is a physical space. And a real place. That
only you know exists.
You go there deliberately. To spend the needed time with the
Savior in solitude. Once you are there. In retreat. You can spend
time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer. This pattern the Savior used for
Himself and the disciples. Should you find it odd or strange that such
recommendation is necessary for you too?
Why go to such a space? So that it is only you and the Lord – the
two of you alone. At such a place there is nowhere for you to hide from
God. You go to such a place expecting to meet Him. To speak with Him. Why
haven’t some wrestled with God? Possibly because they’ve avoided going to a
secluded place. Where they will meet God. And deal with Him. And Him with you.
Transition: The Lord directed His disciples to a solitary place, a place of
seclusion and to a place of rest.
- The disciples
were encouraged to take a Siesta to “rest for a while.” And in that rest.
The disciples were strengthened for the journey. And their work. Where do
you find this rest? You are doing what the great physician describes
today. This very hour. As you are taking time from your busy schedule. And
hurried lives. To spend time with the Savior this morning.
The body can literally shut down. If it is not given rest. Man was
not created to be constantly on the go with any time set aside for rest. At
creation the Lord established the 7th day for rest and
reflection.
You are doing this each time you come to His meal. You are doing
this each time you come to Bible class. And in your prayer and devotional
times. With the focus on the Savior. You will be rejuvenated. To continue on in
the life and plan the Savior has for you. This is why you have come today. To
reflect on the mercies and blessings the Savior has given to you. And what are
these blessings? Forgiveness. Life. Salvation.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ. All sin is forgotten and forgiven
period! As the Savior traveled to the cross. And rose from the sealed tomb. He
has won for you complete and total forgiveness from all sin.
He gives you life. Life to be lived in eternity. But also life
which starts now! Because we are forgiven. We are given the opportunity to live
transformed lives. A forgiven life is what He gives you – living your life
blessing and forgiving others is your gift back to Him.
He gives you salvation. That’s nothing more. Than receiving the
gifts of God with thanksgiving. With thankful hearts. You bless and worship
God.
This world will continue to be filled with its own agendas. Plans.
Schedules. And programs. Already the summer for most is over. When it appears
that life has got you stressed to the limit. When you can be stretch no further.
Take a time out. To be with the Savior. As your great physician He has written
you this prescription; “come unto Me all ye that are weary and heavy laddered
and I will give thee rest. Take my yoke and learn from Me for I am gentle and
humble in heart for my yoke is easy and burden is light.”
Tomorrow. We head back into
a hectic and stressful world. Are you well rested? There‘s still plenty of time
yet today. To reflect. And be refreshed by the Savior. He’s spoken to you
today in His Word. He refreshes you in His Supper. As He draws you to Himself. Take
advantage of His offer. To spend time with you.
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Words- 1,200
Passive Sentences –6%
Readability – 82.5
Reading Level – 3.6
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