Vacation

      Vacation is on my mind. Cindy and I are leaving for Glacier National Park in a few days (from the time of this writing). But is vacation Biblical? Well, that depends… Jesus encouraged His disciples to take a sort of vacation in Mark 6:30-32,

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place.

Unfortunately for the disciples, the people followed them and their plans for a break took a hiatus. However, after the feeding of the five thousand, Mark 6:45 says, “Immediately he (Jesus) made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.” It seems that Jesus recognized their need for a break by sending His disciples onward and staying to dismiss the crowd.

If you keep reading in this chapter of Mark, notice what happens in verses 47-51,

47 Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 He saw them straining at the oars because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. 49 When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded.

Notice that Jesus saw them straining at the oars, and what did He do? He came to them, walking on the water. They were astounded. Do you think they learned something that night on “vacation?” Do you think their “vacation” helped prepare them for the ministry and circumstances to come? Do you think their faith grew while on “vacation?” I think this was Jesus’ plan all along. He would use some of their time away to help them know Him more and prepare them for the future.

Could that be the Biblical reason for vacation or getting away? It’s not so much an escape from work and life as it is an opportunity for rejuvenation, knowing Jesus in a new and fresh way, as well as a preparation for the future. God calls us to work and provides work for us to do as a provision and a ministry. Rather than vacation being an escape from work, it is a rejuvenation for work.

I encourage you vacationers (me included), to look for God’s handiwork in creation and keep a look out for Jesus, especially when something seems to go wrong such as botched reservations, car trouble, wrong turns, etc. Let yourself be astounded by the presence of Jesus. He is always found in the Word of God. Let those around you be astounded by His presence in you. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Happy Rejuvenation and Happy 4th of July!      Pastor Tim