Rest is Not Weakness. It’s Obedience.

The disciples returned to Jesus, not just to rest, but to report. (Mark 6:30-32)

– They shared what they had seen.

– They shared what they had done.

– They shared how God had moved through their obedience.

This wasn’t just rest—it was a gathering of testimony.

Shouldn’t this be the essence of the Church?

– A place where we come back after doing the work.

– A place where we celebrate what God is doing.

– A place where we encourage one another and prepare for what’s next.

– A place where we do more than sit back and receive?

But then comes the unexpected command from Jesus:

“Come away… and rest.”

The work wasn’t finished. There were still:

– People coming and going.

– More to do.

– Needs to meet.

Yet Jesus still called them to rest.

This is a hard truth for me.

I tell myself, “I will rest when the work is done.”

But the work will never be done.

– There will always be another meeting.

– Another project.

– Another person in need.

Yet Jesus says, “Step away.”

REST IS NOT WEAKNESS

– God established the Sabbath as a command, not a suggestion.

– Jesus took His disciples away to rest—even when they were in the middle of doing great work.

If we don’t prioritize rest, we don’t just risk burnout—we place unrealistic demands on ourselves and those around us.

REST IS HOLY

Jesus knew that if His disciples didn’t rest, they wouldn’t last.

We must trust that God will stand in the gaps while we rest.

The world won’t fall apart if we pause.

But we might—if we don’t.