Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a particularly special day because it is all about being thankful and community. It isn’t about presents or eggs or any other marketing ploy—though there is plenty of that anyway.
I was reading this morning in Matthew and Mark and came across something that is very helpful to me and may be very helpful to you as well.
Jesus and his disciples 2000 years ago were very, very busy. They became very important people in their time as the Gospel spread throughout southern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They were serving thousands upon thousands of people—saving, healing, and feeding them.
But, though that is an important part of the biblical text, there was something that stuck out to me this morning: Jesus and his disciples took a time out. In Matthew 14, Jesus heard that King Herod had executed his childhood friend (and relative) John the Baptist.
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:13-14 (ESV)
Jesus, the ruler of the universe, took time out to rest and maybe reflect on the loss of his friend John.
But as the crowds gather, he once again served them, healing, teaching, and feeding thousands of people who were in need.
Then the text goes on:
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
Matthew 14:22-23 (ESV)
Once again, he sends the disciples to get away from the crowds for a bit and he himself headed to the hills to get rest and pray. In Mark it more clearly says the disciples went away to be by themselves (Mark 6:30-32).
The point I want to make is that those who are caregivers for others, following Jesus’ call, need rest. It is not okay to burn out. It is expected by Jesus and you are called to get away at times to rest.
I am horrible at this. With a people-pleasing personality I get sucked into working all the time. . . and I promise you my motives are not always very good. I need that time to rest and pray and get some perspective. Often to come to grips with my rotten motives—to break away from pleasing people to recognize I am not really that important.
Advocates everywhere—heed Jesus’ calling and rest. Today is a good day between all the turkey and ham and mashed potatoes and nsima and fried rice to rest and turn to the Lord in prayer.