For many British Columbians, summer is a season that we look forward to with joyful anticipation; filled with vacation plans and fun outdoor activities. In fact, many of our church family are away on vacation right now, and it is fun to see how they are enjoying their vacation through posts on social media.
Although Jesus instructs his followers to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him faithfully, verses like these do not mean that we are not allowed to enjoy the amazing blessings and material gifts that he gives us. Rather, we are to delight in God's gifts and use those gifts to bless and serve others out of great joy and gratitude.
In Mark 6, Jesus sends out his disciples on a short-term mission trip, and when they return to him, he invites them to rest: "The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat" (Mark 6:30-31).
Jesus knows that we need rest. He expects us to work faithfully, but he also cares about us; he is not only interested in our productivity—he wants a healthy and beautiful relationship with us. This is why God commands his people to sabbath, which means "to cease" or "to rest" in Hebrew. God desires us to trust in him, learn to set apart time to enjoy him, and to find rest in him.
So, I hope you are taking advantage of the beautiful summertime to find rest, delight in God's creation, and to be present with those you love. Being rested helps us to live more effectively for God.
- as seen in The Delta Optimist
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