INTRODUCTION

Most Christians know the commandment of Christ given to the apostles to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
See All...), but far too few recognize the same Lord commanded these same apostles to separate themselves “into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
See All...). It is better to obediently rest than to prematurely burn out in the service of God. It has been said that one will either come apart (in rest) or he will come apart in spiritual disintegration. The Lord obviously wanted to demonstrate this truth and commanded the disciples to separate themselves for the purpose of finding some rest. The disciples obeyed and departed into a desert place. Each believer today should examine whether he or she is obeying this command of the Lord.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jesus cared for His disciples and wanted them to rest (cp. Psalm 23:1-2 [1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  See All...a). If they did not, He knew they would become frustrated with their work as did Martha (Luke 10:38-42 [38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
  See All...). He brought them to a desert place (no distractions) so they could be with Him (Psalm 46:10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
  See All...a).
• (For everyone): Are you burnt out in the work of God? Are you presently going through the motions and doing so in the strength of the flesh rather than joyfully doing God’s work God’s way?
• When is the last time you withdrew yourself into a “desert place” to rest for a while? Do you feel guilty when you require some time away from the work of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for showing you your need for rest.
• Ask God to help you know when it is time for rest.

HYMN

BLESSED ASSURANCE

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