“Rest and Pray”

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:12-16

Summer has officially arrived. This is a season when many decide to take a break from the hectic schedules we’ve followed during the rest of the year. Even Jesus took a break now and then from His busy schedule.

The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to tell us that Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus is setting an example for us by doing this. Being a faithful follower of Jesus involves taking time to withdraw, rest, and pray. But this isn’t always easy for me.

As an extrovert, I am energized by being around people. For someone like me, withdrawing from people is work. For others, it’s a dream come true.

As an extrovert, I prefer to pray in a group. Spending time alone in prayer is also work for me. For others, this is only natural.  

Sometimes it’s hard to be a follower of Jesus. And yet, when I don’t follow the Lord’s example to withdraw, rest, and pray, I end up exhausted and even burned out.

So, how will you be getting some rest this summer?

In Christ,

Pastor David