Trinity Lutheran Church

Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.
Mark 6:31

Come … Away by Yourselves

Jesus and His disciples had just returned from a strenuous mission journey. The disciples had gone two by two from village to village, proclaiming that people should repent. They had also cast out demons and healed many who were sick. They were exhausted. Jesus invited them to get away by themselves, separate from the crowds, to get some much-needed rest.

In our day, when many view busyness as a virtue, it is important that we have time alone to refresh and recharge. That is one reason why God originally established the Sabbath day.

Vital, also, is time praying and reading God’s Word to refresh our souls. I struggle to find that time. But spending time in prayer helps us draw closer to Him. Allowing Him to speak to us in His Word brings much spiritual nourishment! Meditating on what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection is food for our souls. Are you hungry, in need of peace and encouragement? Contemplate what Jesus continues to do for you each day by His grace and mercy. Accept Jesus’ invitation to “come away by yourselves … and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
Dear Jesus, I did not realize how exhausted I am! May I never get so distracted by the everyday busyness of life that I fail to spend time with You.
Amen.
Daily Devotion via Portals of Prayer
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Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Come … I Will Give You Rest

My wife and I came home late one day to discover a flooded basement, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. After hours of cleaning, I was exhausted. How refreshing to finally relax! Rest was essential for my body and mind.

Resting in Christ is vital for our souls. So Jesus lovingly invites us, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Labor here is not physical labor but rather laboring under the guilt of sin and striving to save ourselves. This is a heavy burden we cannot carry. Instead, Jesus carries it for us.

Jesus gives us rest by laboring to save us. He resisted every temptation to sin, thereby having a righteousness to cover our sinfulness. He paid the ultimate price for our sins on the cross, thereby earning us forgiveness. He conquered death in His resurrection so that we will pass from death to life. There is nothing we can labor to do to be saved.

To trust Jesus is to come and receive His rest. We are yoked to Him in the Gospel. We rest in His grace and mercy. Come! Rest—no matter what floods you face!
Thank You, Jesus, for inviting me to rest in You. Give me peace, knowing You have freely given me eternal life.
Amen.
Daily Devotion via Portals of Prayer
Image via Adobe Stock