Verse of the Day 2/6

Verse of the Day 2/6

Mark 6:31-32 Holman Christian Standard Bible

31 He 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. 32 So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place,

During Jesus' earthly ministry, He often withdrew from the crowds to find some solitude and spend time in prayer with the Father in prayer.  In today's passage He is teaching the disciples the importance of this.  It is a good reminder for us as well.  In our fast paced society it often seems like almost every minute of the day has to be "filled" with something to do.  We train our kids that we need to run to this practice or that lesson and it is just go,go,go go.

This can happen in ministry too. We may be so involved in things that we don't carve out personal time with God in His Word, in prayer, meditation and private study.

Alexander Smellie writes, "The Bible teacher needs solitude, that he may apprehend the breadth and length and depth and height of that great, majestic, illimitable book he is to proclaim. That he may seize hold of the truth of God--and that the truth of God may seize hold of him. That the truths of Scripture may become, more than ever, his own possession and exceeding joy. And then, out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth will speak.  Every saint needs solitude, that he may shake off the dust and grime of worldliness and sin. That, waiting on the Lord, he may renew his strength. That a fresh unction from the Holy One may make him spiritually wise and strong."("The Hour of Silence" 1899)

We may hear a powerful message or learn something in a group study, but where it really hits home is when be go over it again in the solitude of our home or place of retreat.  When we do, what we learned will be solidified in our minds and be there to draw upon as we share our lives and tell others what He has taught is.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Mark 6:30-34

English Standard Version

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.