30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 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.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Meditation
- When the disciple came back after they finished their assignment, Jesus took them away “to a quiet place and get some rest”. This is for them to find spiritual resources to continue effective ministry. The Spiritual Formation Bible has the definition for “Solitude”: the creation of an open, empty space in our lives by purposefully abstaining from interaction with other human beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God.
- How do you arrange “solitude” into regular routine schedule? How can you “be found by God” in your busy life?
- Open your agenda to next week or next month. Try to carve out a time (half an hour, or half a day or a whole day). Go to a park, a deserted place, or an indoor place without being disturbed. Stay quiet and alone, and then converse with God.
Prayer & Journaling:
On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Proverbs for Today: 5:7-10
7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless, 10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,