Do You Need Some Abiding Time?
This week’s author is Joel Baar, President of the Board of Directors for the The Alliance of Reformed Churches.
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At our Alliance Board Meetings, we intentionally set aside time for personal updates, so we know how each of us are doing and what is happening in our respective lives. Recently, we had an open discussion about how busy we are, the stretching of our mental capacities, and how we are doing. So we figured if we are feeling this way, many of you may be feeling that way too. Fellow tired church leader, this letter is as much for me as it may be for you.
I’m so thankful for the people in my life who routinely come up to me and say something like “I’ve been praying for you. I know you’re busy. How are you doing?” And over the last 2 years, I’ve dropped the façade and just been blunt. “I’m mentally tired, but spiritually encouraged. I don’t know how I’m doing it, but your prayers, your support and your encouragement lift me up. Thank you.” I’m tired of pretending “I’m good” or “I’m fine”. I am good, but I am tired – and it’s ok to admit that.
In Mark 6, Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs:
“They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them”. Mark 6:12-13 (NIV).
When King Herod heard of this, he had John the Baptist arrested and shortly thereafter, beheaded. What happened next? We learn that the disciples gathered around Jesus and reported 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.’” Mark 6:31 (NIV).
In Mark 6, the disciples were experiencing the excitement of new ministry, only to be reminded, through the news of John the Baptist’s death, that they could (and would) suffer in ministry. Yet Jesus recognized exhaustion (in the form of poor eating habits and likely discouragement) and counseled them in such a manner that perseverance and faithfulness in ministry would result from abiding in Him.
Jesus didn’t just say “get some rest”. He first said “Come with me”. Whenever we need “rest”, we must first abide in Him. In John 15:4 (ESV), Jesus reminds us to “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” The Greek word for “abide” is meno. We don’t use the word “abide” much these days, but it is such a rich word, full of meaning. It means to be connected, to depend, to trust, to rely, to remain, to continue, to endure. I’ve learned that I need some “abiding time” in my life. It is necessary if I am to bear good fruit.
Next, Jesus told the disciples to go somewhere “by yourselves.” Do you do this? It’s really hard for me. I’m wired to be very relational. I like being around people. I like learning from others. I don’t like being lonely. But isn’t it true that in our loneliness, we sometimes learn something about ourselves? When we think of Jesus, we often think of the compassion he had on the crowds of people around Him. Yet, when we look a little closer, there were times when He disappeared through the crowds, went up to the mountain to pray, went on a retreat, and even went on a boat to get away from the crowds. He took a breath, set a boundary, and found some rest.
Third, Jesus instructed the disciples to go “to a quiet place.” Do you have a quiet place? For me, I like to take our dog – an energetic English Pointer – on ‘marathon’ walks in the parks of Ottawa County. It’s my abiding time. It’s my time to think, to reflect, to pause, to ponder, to listen to the Holy Spirit; (and let’s be honest, to get some exercise too!). But I’ve discovered things I never would have seen but for taking the time to explore. The other day, I took the proverbial “road less traveled” at the park and found a seldom-used trail. At the end of the trail was a huge trillium patch. Even our dog was smiling (see photo)! Oh what I would have missed if I simply wanted to rush on to the next event.
I have been privileged to serve the church in many ways – many of which I don’t feel worthy of. Being a Christian leader comes with some incredible rewards, but it also comes with responsibilities and burdens, some of which can weigh on us. As much as this letter is for me, I pray it is of some value to you too. You are near and dear to our hearts as we seek to serve well. Our Savior does not want you to be tired. Don’t lose sight of who are you are, don’t lose sight of your calling, and please don’t lose sight of Jesus.
Abiding in Jesus doesn’t always mean having some incredible mountain top experience that you routinely draw from. It means, in part, keeping the words of Jesus in our hearts, so that we are constantly being reformed and reshaped in the ongoing process of sanctification. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Abiding time . . . I’ve learned to cherish it.