In the School of God (4) The school yard

"[Jesus] said to them : Yourself, go out into a deserted place and rest a little (for there were many people coming, going away, and they had not even the time to eat)." Marc 6. 31

The school of God demands efforts. But Teacher trains his disciples in a balanced way. It punctuates the courses and the different activities by moments of relaxation before returning to the classroom.

During the recess, the youngest pupils play with their friends, the biggest ones discussing each other, exchanging questions and impressions, recounting what they have done. Contacts are established, friendships deepen. The scene is lively, joyful.

Fatigue is part of our human limitations. So rest, but not idleness, is it a divine institution! Here are three examples :

- After the exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea and the murmurs of the people in Mara because the water was bitter, God led his people to Elim for a beneficent halt around 12 springs of water (Ex 15 27). This is the opportunity to recover from fatigue and appreciate the freshness of the blessing ... before leaving for a new test of faith.

- The Lord sent his twelve disciples two by two to preach repentance and bring the healing of the God of grace (Mark 6: 7-13). This first mission accomplished, they return to him and tell him all that they have done (Mark 6. 31). There is so much movement among the crowd that day that the disciples do not even have time to eat. The Lord stops them in their overflowing activity : "Come away yourself to a desert place, and rest a little." He makes them get into a boat to go to a desert place by the sea of ​​Galilee. Arriving at destination, it does not take much time for the disciples to resume service : to feed 5,000 men who have come to listen to the Lord.

- At some point in his life, the Apostle Paul felt the need to rest. He gives it to his brethren in Rome. He needed to take some rest in their communion after he had escaped, on a journey to Jerusalem, to the unbelievers who were harassing him (Rom.15, 32).

In a piece of music, the breaks are part of the melody. Let's enjoy the breaks that the Master gives us without feeling guilty: we will find joy and rest to go back to school and go back to his service !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)