Reading 8—No Down Time

Read Mark 6:31-53

Does this sound familiar: “Ugh! If I could just get some time for myself!” There are times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed with all our responsibilities. When that overwhelming feeling rears its head, all I want to do is be alone, to get away, and have no disruptions.

In our reading from Mark today, I believe the disciples are overwhelmed. They have been on a non-stop journey since answering Jesus’ discipleship call. Now is the time for them to get some much-needed rest.

But the people are not going to give Jesus and the disciples a break. As the crowds continue to seek Jesus’ company and attention, the disciples begin to show impatience. Jesus gets back to work. The disciples? They want to clock out. They want their precious down time. Jesus, however, shows them that their call does not go by any clock. The call for mission is 24/7, and that means there will be moments that the down time has to wait.

After the people are fed, the disciples finally get some alone time. But then they encounter a strong wind which sends them into a panic. They need Jesus to save them. Just a few verses before the disciples were the ones telling others seeking Jesus to go away. Imagine if Jesus had “passed them by” like the disciples wanted him to do in verse 36.

The good news is that Jesus does not pass them by. He gets to work and assures them of his presence with the sweet and tender “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

There are no disruptions that can keep God away from us. God does not take time off when it comes to us. God gives us time. His time. All the time.

Take out your calendar. Look at your watch. When is God NOT available when you need him?

How can you learn to believe and find hope in God’s constant attention?

God of Time and Calendars, thank you for being present in our times of need. We thank you for never passing us by, instead stopping and calming all our storms. Put the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds so we can be more aware of our call as your servants, but also our title as your children. Amen.

The Rev. Jonathan P. Conrad is the Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s, Wilmington, NC. He enjoys reading mysteries and playing golf. He is the proud husband of Kristen, the joyful father of Paul and Madelyn, and the blessed son of Paul and Kay Conrad.