The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.
— Mark 6:30-32 NLT
Key Thought
The good we do for the Kingdom occurs because of God's work through us. Yes, we offer ourselves to be used by God as his vessels, but the glory, the power, and the effectiveness come from our obedient submission and God's glorious work through us. To God belongs all the glory! But, being used by God is tiring work no matter how exciting it may be. God's servants need periods of rest and renewal. Getting rest and renewal means getting away from the rush of ministry and rekindling our passions, energy, and focus in the presence of other devoted servants and in the presence of Jesus as we honor God. In other words, humility has two faces: First, humility is seen in the life of a person who serves God for the Father's glory, and second, humility is seen when those who serve God acknowledge their need for rest and time away from the rush to be with God.
Today's Prayer
Father, please give me the right heart to be a humble servant. Remove from me the desire to accomplish great things so my name is known or my actions are praised. I want you to be glorified. In addition, dear Father, please gently humble me when I try to depend on my own energies rather than spending time resting in your presence and letting you re-kindle my spirit and re-energize my body. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Luke 5:15-16
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- Acts 14:26-28
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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