Need to Get Away?

 

Desperately Needed R&R

Wanna get away? You’ve seen the Southwest Airlines commercials. There’s always some poor goober who suddenly realizes he’s just made a ridiculous goof and needs to immediately beat feet. Like mistaking a bank robbery getaway car for his Uber.

But there are also times when you NEED to get away. You may not even realize it. Shoot, you might even not want to. But a friend sees it. I mean, it’s obvious to those who know you that you desperately need some R&R.

Back from Their First Assignment

That is exactly what’s going on in chapter six of Mark’s bio of Jesus (Mk 6:30-32). The radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth gathers His team back together after their first assignment without Him.

Outside pressures and demands interrupt their debrief to the Lord. So much so that they don’t even have time to hit a drive-thru for lunch, much less pop into a convenience store for a snack.

A Bloody Birthday Party

That’s when Christ makes the call. They need quiet. They need rest. He has just the place to do it. The big crowd demands their immediate attention. But Jesus and the boys desperately NEED to get away.

The writer of this Gospel picks up the story from where he left off a few verses back in chapter six. In between, Mark devotes a big chunk of space telling the gory story about how Herod Antipas’ bloody birthday party quickly escalates from a sleazy striptease to John the Baptizer’s death (Mk 6:14-29).

A Sneak Preview

Just before that flashback, Mark recounts how our Savior sends out the original Dirty Dozen to take down demonic spirits, heal the sick, and basically give folks a sneak preview of His coming kingdom (Mk 6:7-13).

“The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught” (v30). We don’t know how long they were gone. We do know they left in teams of two with minimal gear (Mk 6:7-9). Pack light. Travel light. Shine the Light.

Sent with Authority

Don’t miss the fact that Mark describes these guys when they return as “apostles” (v30). The Greek word αποστολος/apostolos paints a picture of one who is sent with complete authority. It’s an official rep or ambassador. An apostle’s words have the same weight as the one who sent him. Think full power of attorney.

Maybe you’re like me and just figured the terms apostle and disciple are interchangeable. Two words that basically mean the same thing. Well, they ARE two words that basically describe the same people…but they mean very different things.

It’s All About Trajectory

You see, a disciple draws near so that he or she can follow and observe their mentor. An apostle goes out on assignment on someone’s behalf. See the difference? Christ calls His disciples in and sends His apostles out. Think of it this way. It’s all about trajectory.

It’s interesting to note that Mark only refers to Jesus’ closest followers as apostles twice in the second Gospel. The only other time he uses this title is when the Lord sets the original roster at twelve (Mk 3:14).

Now the boys don’t become full-time apostles until after Jesus’ resurrection and return home to heaven (Acts 1:25-26). It won’t be long before that happens. After three years of coming in and following Jesus, it will be Go Time.

Avengers Assemble

Meanwhile, Mark reinforces this idea of Jesus’ closest followers coming and going when he writes about their return from their ministry tour. The original language uses a verb the NLT translates as “returned” (Gr. συναγω/sunago) which means to come together, gather, assemble, collect, unite, or meet.

This is actually where we get the word “synagogue” which at its core simply means the gathering. Long before the Avengers assembled, the Twelve did it first. Notice that same pattern: Jesus sends them out. Jesus calls them back in.

Gathering and Scatting

And He’s still doing it a couple of thousand years later. He sends us out. He calls us back together. It’s the healthy rhythm of following Christ. Going out on mission in His name. Coming back together for encouragement and accountability.

It’s what we should do regularly. We gather with other believers. Both in big groups as the local church and small groups in people’s homes. Andy Stanley likes to call it meeting in rows and meeting in circles. It’s what Jesus’ very first followers did after His He road a cloud back to the heavenly palace (Acts 1:9; 2:46).

We come together. We go back back out. We gather. We scatter. You don’t do one without the other. We gather to scatter. We scatter to gather. Think of your walk with Christ as a team sport. We each certainly have an individual responsibility but it’s truly a team sport.

Telling Him about Their Trip

Mark tells us how the boys come back to town and fill the Lord in on all that went down. Imagine their excitement. Each two-man team can’t wait to tell their Master what happened on their trip. They give Him the play-by-play of “all they had done and taught” (v30).

Can’t you picture it? They’re talking over one another. They’re fighting to go next. You think THAT’S something?!? You’ll NEVER believe what happened! Yeah, I’m pretty sure He does. But go ahead. He loves hearing them share their stories.

Jesus Calls an Audible

That’s when the Lord calls an audible. “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (v31). Notice first that He doesn’t give them a weekend off individually. He knows how important it is for them to go away together as a group.

Jesus only has three and a half years to build a team to change the world. With the clock ticking, He’s not going to waste one single second. It’s what one of His apostles will later write to some folks in Ephesus. “Make the most of every opportunity” (Eph 5:16).

A Team Retreat

Christ plans this team retreat at a “quiet place” (v31, 32). It’s actually the very same words Mark uses later when he describes “remote place” (Mk 6:35). Once again, a quick dive into the original Greek helps us out.

The word the NLT translates as both “quiet” and “remote” is ερημος/eremos. Sometimes we see it describing a wasteland, desert, or wilderness. But it also can mean a lonely, quiet place of solitude.

First century writers also use the same term when talking about a place where livestock would graze which isn’t tilled for farming. It’s a pasture, not a cultivated farm field. That makes sense when Mark makes a point of describing the “green grass” (Mk 6:39).

Chilling It after Killing It

The goal of this getaway to “rest awhile” (v31). They’re not headed to an all-inclusive resort with a long list of activities like snorkeling, golf, tennis, parasailing, and hiking. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with any of those. But they have their place. At this point, the disciples simply need to chillax together.

Jesus actually orders them to take the time off. The word for “rest” (Gr. αναπαυω/anapauo) is all about causing someone to become physically refreshed by resting after work. You’ve been killing it. Now it’s time for chilling it.

Getting Rest to Be at Our Best

We see the very same word in Matthew’s Gospel when Christ invites each of us to take a break from busting our butts to earn God’s approval. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Gr. αναπαυω/anapauo)” (Mt 11:28). He’s already done all the work for us so that we don’t have to.

Jesus knows they all need some serious R&R. He knows that in order for them to be their best, they need to rest. They need to retreat, recharge, refresh, and relax. We ALL do. Yes, you. Same for the knucklehead at the keyboard.

A Quiet Place

Each one of us needs to get regular rest. It must be a regular part of the rhythm of our lives. We all have a need to go to a quiet place.

A quiet place WITHOUT distractions.

A quiet place WITHOUT wifi, smartphones, TVs, and earbuds.

A quiet place WITH God.

Digital Detox

How can I expect to hear Him above all the noise of 21st century entertainment? Mark Batterson believes there’s zero chance of hearing the “gentle whisper” of our Redeemer above the racket. Let’s turn up the chances of hearing from Almighty God by turning down the volume.

Call it a digital detox. A technology fast. Get alone with your Savior. Think about it for just a moment. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords can’t wait for you to join Him for a little one-on-one time. If the Sovereign Lord of the universe can fit that into His calendar, why can’t I?

Previously on the Gospel of Mark

Did you notice that even Jesus sees the need and join the boys in taking time off after a very busy few days. And man, have they been busy! If Mark’s storyline is any indication, the Lord and His team have been on quite a roll over the past few days.

As they say at the beginning of those binge-worthy Netflix series, “Previously on the Gospel of Mark.” There’s the wild scene at His house in Capernaum when the scribes try to shut Him down and His family tries to take Him home (Mk 3:20-35).

A Big Storm and a Naked Man

Right after that, Christ teaches a big crowd from a boat near the big lake and uses a boatload of illustrations about God’s kingdom (Mk 4:1-34). Immediately after shoving off for an overnight cruise with His crew on the Sea of Galilee, our Savior shuts down a nasty thunderstorm (Mk 4:35-41).

When they arrive on the far side of the lake, Jesus casts a few thousand demons out of a tortured dude wandering buck naked in a cemetery (Mk 5:1-20). He and the boys immediately get back in the boat and head back home, only to be greeted by a doubleheader of desperation when both Jairus and bleeding woman beg for Jesus’ help (Mk 5:21-43).

Stop the World, I Want to Get off

From there, they head for Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. When He preaches at the local synagogue, locals can’t swallow His claim to be the Christ so He immediately hits the road and visits neighboring villages (Mk 6:1-6). Next, He sends out His closest followers teams of two so they can give it a try without Him (Mk 6:7-13).

In the middle of this craziness, it’s clear to Christ that His crew desperately needs to get away. But it’s not going to be easy. The world won’t stop spinning just because you need to get off. Like the Lord, we can’t wait for a break. We need to be intentional.

Inside Info

How busy are Jesus and the boys? “He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (v31). Once again, Mark drops an exclusive detail we don’t get anywhere else.

Where’s he getting his info? Probably from Peter. The earliest church fathers believed the apostle Jesus nicknames Rocky is Mark’s source. Think of the second book of the NT as the Gospel of Peter as told to John Mark.

Skipping Meals

Clearly the pace is REALLY picking up for Jesus and the guys. So much so that they’re skipping meals. A couple of thousand years later, serving our Savior can still get crazy busy. There are going to be days when it’s hard to eat well. But the lack of food and rest for long periods of time is totally unsustainable.

Deluded Little Would-Be Messiahs

I know. I know. You’re different. You can do this. WRONG. Stop pretending to be God. Too many of us fit John Ortberg’s description of “deluded little would-be messiahs.” Yeah, I’m talking to you. And me. Prideful much?

The universe can function without you for a couple of days. Our planet won’t start wobbling out of control if you take a couple of days off. It’s okay to get some rest. People will survive. And you will thrive. I promise.

He Makes Me Lie Down

Let’s cut to the chase. We really only have two choices. We’ll get some rest or God will make us rest. Put it another way. I’ll sabbath or God will sabbath me. Jesus had to teach me this the hard way. When I believed I was too busy to take time off, He called a time out for me.

Don’t believe He’ll do it? Check out the second verse of Psalm 23. If you’re like me, it’s become so familiar that we miss an important point. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Ps 23:2 NIV). Did you see it? “He MAKES me lie down.”

Looking out for Our Best Interest

Our Good Shepherd is looking out for our best interest. He knows what we need…even better than we do. And He knows there are times when I NEED rest. When that happens, He MAKES me lie down.

Let me strongly suggest that you build regular quiet and rest into your schedule. Otherwise the Lord will do it for you. He will eventually sabbath you if you don’t sabbath yourself.

Running on E

Too many times, the result of no rest is burn out. When that happens, it’s easy to think we’re spiritually or emotionally empty. There’s a good chance we’re simply physically exhausted. We just need to get some rest.

Let me explain. Burn out occurs when we misread the gauges on our dashboard. We all have four tanks: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. It might feel like I’m running on E in my walk with Jesus. I may feel mentally drained.

Chances are, I just need to rest. I just need to get away. To recharge. To relax. To refresh. And most important of all, with my Redeemer.

A Specific Spot

So that’s exactly Jesus and His disciples do. “So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone” (v32). The original text makes it clear the Lord had a specific location in mind.

Do you have a go-to place where you can go to and get away? A peaceful place. No distractions. No interruptions. Just you and Jesus.

The Busyness of Your Brain

A word of warning. When you get there, it won’t get quiet right away. You can shut down the external noise, but it’s going to take some time for your mind to slow down. Might be a day or two. Eventually the busyness of your brain will shut down. Give it time.

It’s What We ALL Need

There’s just one little problem for our Savior and His team. There’s a hungry crowd chasing them down the beach. But that’s another story for another day.

In the meantime, take some time to get away with the Son of God. You may not even realize how badly you need it. But you do. And I do. Let’s not wait too long to take the Lord up on His offer.

Wanna get away? Better yet, NEED to get away?

©2018

Jay Jennings

Religion and Politics

“for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1Tim 2:2).

If you want to stir up a boring conversation, toss these two handy dandy grenades that are guaranteed to get folks fired up. Politics and religion. If you’re like me (and that’s not necessarily a good thing!), your Facebook and Twitter feeds are chockfull of one or the other, if not BOTH. And it’s coming from both sides. (Insert elected official’s name here) is the antichrist and has a secret plan to steal all your money and give it to (insert a demographic group you’re not a part of here) and turn our country over to the (insert your worst nightmare nation here). If that’s not bad enough, everybody you know is more than happy to tell you who’s headed straight for heaven or hell. Sometimes I feel like Stealers Wheel got it right. “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.” 

Well, our old buddy Paul wasn’t afraid to toss BOTH at the SAME TIME! In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle fires both barrels. He tells Tim that we should pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). He’s encouraged his spiritual son that we should use every kind of prayer to pray for every person we can think of (1Tim 2:1). Now he gets more specific. Pray for those who are in charge. The purpose? So that we can give God glory by being good citizens. Let that sink in for a minute.

Our prayer list of political leaders starts at the top. We’re to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions” (v2). Chances are if you’re reading this, you don’t live under the reign of a king or queen (if you do, I’m pretty stoked that someone from another country actually took the time to read this!). Here in the good ol’ U.S. of A., the President is our highest elected official. It’s no tough stretch to understand that Paul call us to pray for the POTUS. But wait just a New York minute. Am I saying we should pray for our President even if you didn’t vote for him? If that’s the case…ESPECIALLY if you didn’t vote for him! 

This is where you try to argue with the apostle that he really doesn’t have a clue what kind of Commander-in-Chief we have right now. Pray for him? You’ve GOT to be kidding me! If I’m praying anything, it’s that God will supernaturally impeach the Prez. Here’s the dealio. We’ve got a little problem. It’s called the Bible. According to Scripture, it doesn’t matter. Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Democrat. Red state. Blue state. Pray for your President. No exceptions. No loopholes. 

Here’s the little fact-a-rooni that shuts up any argument you throw Paul’s way. The apostle calls his Ephesian brothers and sisters to pray for Nero. Yes, THAT Nero. One of the most corrupt and bloodthirsty dictators in human history. The ruler of the Roman Empire didn’t exactly have a soft spot in his heart for the followers of Jesus either. At more than one instance, Nero slaughtered countless Christians. Yet, the man from Tarsus tells his readers to pray for their king. 

Nero may have been ruthless and wicked but he rules over Rome because God has placed him there. As a result, we’re to do what our government leaders tell us to do. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1). Again, Paul writes these words to the followers of Jesus who are living in the capital of the empire. If anyone knew how awful Nero is, it’s the church in Rome. So here’s the deal. If first century believers can pray for this vicious emperor, I’m pretty sure can ask God to bless whoever is in the Oval Office. Besides, we place our trust in the King of ALL kings!

So how do we pray for our President and other governmental leaders? Pray that God would bless them. Pray that He would provide them with the wisdom needed to make difficult decisions. Pray that He would keep them healthy. Pray that He would provide them with level heads. And of course, pray that He would save them. We see in the very next couple of verses how our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:3-4). It’s happened before. Ever heard of Constantine? If not, take a moment to Google the guy. We’ll wait for you.

The point in praying for kings and other leaders in authority is so we can lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. THIS is what good citizenship looks like for believers. It’s another way of describing the life Paul states back in chapter one. “The aim of our charge is love, that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1Tim 1:5). The bottom line is that God’s people should be a pleasure to govern. They shouldn’t be loud, annoying, obstinate, and a pain in the neck.

Check out the adjectives the apostle uses to describe Jesus’ followers as citizens. Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. Who wouldn’t love neighbors who are like that? “Peaceful” (Gr. eremos) describes a lack of external disturbances. All is calm on the outside. He’s talking about someone who isn’t loud and obnoxious. Nobody’s calling the cops because the party’s still cranking at 3am. Are you living in a constant state of drama and continually dragging others into your hot mess? This doesn’t mean believers don’t need others to come alongside when life gets tough. And be sure that God’s people know how to party. Oh, we can celebrate with the best of them. But God calls us to be peaceful people.

Upstanding citizens of Christ’s kingdom should also be “quiet” (v2). No, this isn’t somebody who always talks in a whisper or thinks life should be like a library. While the previous word described what’s going on outside, hesuchios pulls the curtain back on an inward tranquility and rest. We’re “peaceful” on the outside because we’re “quiet” on the inside. Once we place our trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for us, a supernatural calm. We’re not continually anxious and constantly freaking out…especially when it comes to politics! 

An important characteristic for every Jesus follower everywhere is to be “godly” (v2). Paul uses a compound word here (Gr. eusebeia) that literally means “good worship.” It’s reverence toward God in all that we do. Everything we do is an act of worship to Jesus. It’s living life with our eyes on heaven. You’ve probably heard about someone who was so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We become effective spreaders of His salt and shiners of His light when we remember all that He’s done for us that we could never do for ourselves. We need to pray for those in authority so that we can continue to be a blessing to our neighbors and coworkers.

The idea of godliness is one of the really big ideas in this letter. Women who love Jesus should “profess godliness” (1Tim 2:9-10). Even Paul can’t wrap his brain around the “mystery of godliness” (1Tim 3:16). As followers of Christ, you should “train yourself for godliness” because “godliness is of value in every way” (1Tim 4:7-8). The adult children and grandchildren of widows are “to show godliness” to these ladies (1Tim 5:4). What we learn about Jesus must always encourage us with a lifestyle “that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Spiritual hucksters have cook up a scheme to make a fast buck because they think that “godliness is a means of gain” (1Tim 6:5). What they’ve missed is “godliness with contentment” is the key to true success and satisfaction in life” (1Tim 6:6). Instead chasing the almighty dollars, we should be sprinting after “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1Tim 6:11).

Paul also tells Tim that we’re to be “dignified (Gr. semnotes)” (v2). It’s the idea of being honest, honorable, and respectable. Before you think you need to wear a monocle and start acting all snooty, think again. The Pharisees nailed the whole holier-than-thou deal and it went very badly for them. The apostle is describing someone who doesn’t take themselves seriously but takes Jesus VERY seriously. A little later, Paul applies this idea as a key trait for an elder. “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity (Gr. semnotes)” (1Tim 3:4). He tells Titus to be a teacher who demonstrates “integrity, dignity (Gr. semnotes), and sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8). Do you treat those around you with dignity and respect? Remember, EVERYONE you meet is made in the image of our Creator. As hard as it is to believe at times, that includes politicians and our elected officials.

God calls us to be good citizens. Jesus’ church isn’t to be a team of agitators who make life miserable for our fellow citizens. We’re to be God’s firehose of blessing to our neighborhood, our community, our state, and our nation. That’s independent of what kind of government ruling over us. Do you follow the laws and ordinances? Are speed limits simply a suggestion? Do you fudge on your taxes? Remember, how we live is a direct reflection of the One we worship. 

Maybe living under what you consider to be a godless government gives you a free pass. Folks like Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all thrived under governments who didn’t exactly fit the label of Christian nations (whatever THAT means!). Were there times they had to take a stand to follow God when a law was leading them into sin? You betcha. But you didn’t see them going off the grid and living in some remote compound to keep themselves far from the filth of the fallen world.

As a matter of fact, God specifically tells His people to be good citizens while they’re prisoners in Babylon. “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:4-7). Did you catch that last part? Seek your city’s welfare. Pray for your city. When things go well for your city, they will go well for you.

While Paul mixes religion and politics, he never tells Tim to force anyone to follow God’s rules. There’s no ramming of godliness down the throat of a nation. That’s just not how the kingdom of Christ works. In the same way that God changes us from the inside out, He does the same with society. When He changes our hearts, our lifestyle will follow. But that’s another discussion for another day.

In the meantime, let’s make a point of praying for our governmental leaders. Yes, that means the President, whether you voted for him or not. Pray that God blesses them. Pray that God saves them. Pray that He uses them to bring glory to His name. At the same time, let’s be a blessing to our friends and neighbors. Being citizens of God’s kingdom means being good and godly citizens of your city, state, and nation. See, you CAN mix politics and religion.