Jesus’ Simple Invitation to Care for our Whole Selves
I want you to know, I try to take good care of myself. However, the mysterious powers that rule social media have discovered my age and evidently my weight. I regularly see ads and videos about weight loss, exercises for women over forty, as well as numerous ways to manage menopause symptoms. I admit I feel annoyed with my social media feed.
Each influencer states they have the ultimate answer. They proclaim cortisol is the cause of my problems. Others declare protein and fiber will solve all my issues. A few argue I should be more aware of when I eat over what I eat. In addition, there are a slew of influencers who are ready to change my life with their style of exercise.
Truth
I suspect they all have a nugget of truth. However, none of them have the whole truth no matter what they say. Scripture tells us God is the one who knows the whole truth because He is the Creator and Sovereign King.
Scripture also tells us Jesus is the visible image of an invisible God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3). Jesus states in Matthew 11:27, “…no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.” (CSB) Jesus is the One who helps us see God, know God, and understand truth.
Examine the Life of Jesus
If we want to know truth, if we want to discover what is best for our lives, then we must examine the life of Jesus. Allow me to be clear, you won’t find diet or exercise advice in the gospels. Nor will you discover step by step instructions on how to buy a house, whether to home-school or not, or the best way to organize your pantry.
However, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can learn about investing our money and our time wisely. We also learn about how to deal with troublesome neighbors, raising our children, and living with purpose. Jesus reveals the right path that leads us to truth and a God who loves us immensely.
Jesus Led by Example
In Mark six we find another come statement from Jesus. Early in the chapter, Jesus is going from village to village teaching and healing. He has His disciples with Him as He journeys through the area.
Then, in Mark 6:9, Jesus sent the disciples out to do what He had been doing. Jesus instructed them to go out in pairs. Additionally, He gave them “authority over unclean spirits.” They traveled through the towns, preached repentance, healed people, and cast out demons.
Jesus first showed them what to do, and then He sent them out to do the same. Notice that He didn’t send them out alone. They had a travel buddy. Plus, since they had authority over unclean spirits, I believe they also had the Holy Spirit.
Come Away
We read in Mark 6:30 they all returned and reported back to Jesus. They told Him everything they did and what they taught. Can you imagine the excitement when they gathered? They were most likely exhausted, but on a spiritual high.
“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.’ For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.’ ”
Mark 6:31, CSB
Once again, Jesus teaches them truth about the best way to live. Jesus knew how easy it was to get physically, emotionally, and mentally tired. His disciples had been pouring into the lives of others, and now they needed a chance to regroup and refresh themselves.
All of us have limits. We may be energized by big events and new things. However, they also take a toll on our body and our spirits. Jesus led by example; He taught His followers they needed to care not only for their spirits, but their bodies as well.
Four Boundaries When We Step Away
In Mark 6:31, Jesus gave four boundaries to remember when we need to step away. First, we are to pause pouring out. None of us can continually give without Holy Spirit pouring into us. He may use scripture, music, friends, laughter, or even a nap to strengthen and sustain us.
Second, Jesus instructs them to step away together. We must have community that pours into us. They encourage us, listen to us, and help us process well.
Third, Jesus remained with them. When we take a break, we must remain in the presence of Christ. We spend time in His Word and continue to worship and pray.
Fourth, they were to only rest “for a while.” The disciples weren’t to check out and go on an extended vacation. Jesus taught them to take a breather before they pushed themselves to exhaustion.
Breaks are Necessary
Jesus gave boundaries like trainers use in their exercise plans. For example, trainers schedule rest days. They create space for muscles to repair. Rest days prevent injury, balance hormones, and inhibit burnout. In addition, trainers encourage appropriate nutrition to refuel appropriately.
Research has revealed that if you don’t take mental breaks, your brain stays in a state of high stress. We lower our stress hormones, sharpen our memory, and enable ourselves to think more clearly when we schedule breaks.
God gave the Israelites a Sabbath day each week; a day to rest and set their focus back where it needed to be. Moses had a tent where he would withdraw and sit in the presence of God. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray.
Care for Your Whole Self
Our culture centers on the idea that we must achieve, conquer, and produce more than others. Even though we have weekends, how many of us truly take a break on our days off? We fill them with chores, responsibilities, and activities that push us to still achieve, conquer, and produce.
Jesus’ statement to come in Mark 6 is a reminder that God cares for our whole selves. Yes, God is concerned about our spiritual life. However, He is also aware we are physical beings. He wants us to manage well the gift of life He has given us.
God calls us to serve. Jesus commanded us to share His story of love and grace. We must go into all nations teaching, discipling, and baptizing. And we must also listen for the voice of our Savior gently speaking the truth we tend to ignore, “Come away and rest.”
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.”
Psalm 23:1-3, NLT
Hammock Photo by Andika Christian on Unsplash
