P R E S S U R E

Mark 6:30-31

When do you feel the pressures of your life of competition most greatly?  Is it on game day, in practice or when surrounded by reporters and fans?  Jesus and His followers felt similar pressures and He knew how to handle them.

Let’s watch how He deals with the pressing crowd in Mark chapter 6 and verses 30 and 31.  “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught.  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

Jesus’ apostles were coming back from a victorious road trip and they were reporting to Jesus about their successes.  They were tired, but excited and had gathered quite a crowd of others who were awed by their accomplishments.  Jesus knew just what to do for His most devoted followers.

Rather than hang around with the crowd and its pressures, He calls them away to a more private, quiet place so they could rest.  Some of us might be tempted to hang around indefinitely after an important home win, but it might be more prudent to get away with some teammates and close friends for some quiet time of relaxation. 

Compete today with great energy and intensity.  Pursue excellence in every moment of this contest.  But after it’s all over, make time to relax, to rest and to unwind with teammates and friends who appreciate you and help take the pressure out of your life.  Choose your friends wisely and find peaceful places to relax, far from the foolish, nagging questions and frivolous demands.

Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 5:1-20
I Corinthians 9:1-12
Psalms 82
Judges 1-3