Too Busy To Eat

Mk.6:31 And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

In Mark 6 it is amazing to read about the things the disciples were enabled to do by the Lord for a short-term missions trip. Can you imagine their excitement as they shared with others the good news of Jesus Christ, and then healed the sick or cast out demons? Then, like little children replaying the day's events to a parent, they shared all that they did and said to Jesus when they returned. The fields were ripe for harvest and there was an abundance of ministry opportunities. 

But then we see that Jesus suddenly shifted the disciples focus. They had their time to serve, but now was the time they needed fellowship with Him alone and to "eat" for themselves. They had been so busy feeding "spiritual" food to impoverished people that they were tired and hungry themselves. 


We might think that the “need outweighed the cost,” but Jesus did not sacrifice His disciples for their service. Rather, His love for them knew the greater need of the moment. They would have time in the future to minister and serve again, but for now, the Shepherd was causing His sheep to lie down in green pastures (Ps 23). 


Let’s always remember that times of rest or solitude called for by the Lord are no less important than “much service.” His love will always look out for what is best for His child, since the poor and needy will always be among us (Matt. 26:11).