The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Mark 6:30-32
There’s nothing like leaving on a trip to chill out. The excitement, the anticipation, the preparation. And then there’s coming home. The exhaustion, the unpacking, the memories.
Coke, or Coca-Cola as we used to call it as kids, has had many slogans throughout the years. One of my favorites is “The pause that refreshes.” Sometimes we need a pause to be refreshed.
The apostles had been sent out in pairs to drive out demons and heal. They didn’t wake up one morning and decide that they wanted to take the message of Jesus on the road. No, Jesus selected and sent them out, giving them more than instructions. He gave them power and authority.
And guess what – things happened. Not only did things happen, they happened like Jesus predicted. His delegated and designated power and authority went out with them. As a matter of fact, it was multiplied. There was only one Jesus, but there were six sets of apostles to spread out and carry out Jesus’ commands.
When they return, they told Jesus two things.
First, they told all the things they had done. Their trip was filled with action. Meeting and helping individual people with individual problems, hurts, pain, sorrow, problems. They met people right where they were. The people didn’t have to travel, the apostles did the traveling. Their title, apostle, means someone that is sent with authority and power. And their authority and power isn’t their own, it comes from the one sending them.
Second, they told all the things they had taught. Their trip was also filled with stories about changed lives. The apostles not only did the telling, but the listeners did the listening and learning. It wasn’t sending a marketing email or text, hoping someone might just happen to open it. No, their speaking was coupled with people hearing and taking it in.
And the result of this trip, their doing and teaching, is that the apostles were exhausted. Yes, it was exciting. Yes, it was rewarding. Yes, they saw faith in Jesus’ change lives.
But there is still a price to be paid. And part of that price is exhaustion. Being tired at the end of the day, and the end of the trip, at the end of the deployment. They were so busy that they didn’t even have time to eat.
When was the last time you were that busy? We always, always, always are taking a break, chilling out. It’s a skill that we’ve practiced unto perfection.
Notice what the answer is to their problem. It wasn’t to take a vacation. Not to get alone in the mountains. Or at the ocean. It wasn’t a day at the spa. A ride in the country.
It was time alone with Jesus.
As life grinds on, many are just exhausted. They’ve been running on empty[1] for a long while. Doing more than ever before. And now, people are booking more vacations than ever before. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But, if you’re looking for complete refreshment and restoration, then take some time to be alone with Jesus. It’s the best remedy for what ails you.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Chilling out cannot compete with being alone with Jesus. He’s the only one who can truly answer the deepest exhaustion and longings of our soul.
[1] https://youtu.be/LNmIbSre7Tw?t=20
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