Dear Explorer,
We'll break this miracle down into its various parts. I want you to see the context before we get into the actual main event.
Read Matthew 14:13-14
Matthew seems to indicate that Jesus took his close disciples to a solitary place for the purpose of grieving the death of John the Baptizer.
Read Mark 6:30-32
Mark's account seems to indicate that Jesus took his close disciples to a solitary place so that they could discuss the just completed mission trip and so they could get some much-needed rest.
Read Luke 9:10
Luke records that the solitary place they went was called Bethsaida.
I believe that they went away for two reasons – first to process their grief about John the Baptizer's death. But also, to rest and recuperate and process their ministry trip.
It is important to take down-time to process times when we have seen God at work in miraculous ways. And it is psychologically important to take time to process grief. Even though we are excited about going to Heaven – there is a process that our body goes through that is normal and designed by God to help us accept and learn from grief. If we process it correctly, it will grow our relationship with God. Jesus knew that His disciples needed that time to grieve and He knew they needed to talk about and process their recent victories.
But something happened to change all that.
Read Mark 6:33-34
And
Read Luke 9:11
And
Read John 6:1-4
But I thought you said, we were supposed to go rest? I thought we were going to discuss the ministry trip. I thought this was going to be a spiritual retreat.
How many times I used to wake up and enter my quiet time thinking that nothing was planned for the day. I could catch up on Bible study and have some worship time, and maybe a bubble bath…. and then the phone would start ringing and the next thing I knew it was almost midnight and I had been busy doing ministry all day with no time for myself at all. Yet, I would be covered from head to toe with peace and joy because I had been obedient to the Holy Spirit and God had used me to meet other's needs.
Following Jesus is a wonderful adventure that to outsiders may look crazy. If we are following Him and focusing on staying obedient in all things – He will make your life very satisfying and fulfilling. There is no greater purpose in life.
What do you have planned for today?
What part of your day would you say is available to Him and His direction?
Now, realistically, there are many days when it seems like I am just following my normal agenda. But I try to stay tuned to the Holy Spirit and listen no matter where I am or what I am doing. He may direct me to speak with someone, or to encourage someone. We don't just sit around and wait for Him to guide us. No, we stay busy doing those things that are necessary for our normal life – but always listening and ready to obey.
I don't know whether you've ever seen old re-runs of superman or batman– but that's the exact picture I want to give you. You are just going about your normal everyday life until God tells you that you are needed. He begins to give orders that make sure you are in the right place at just the right time.
In His service, dale
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