Blogging Through The Gospels: Mark 6

Welcome to Mark 6, everyone! Lots of ground is covered in this chapter: Jesus visits his hometown, Jesus walks on the water and heals even more people, he feeds the 5,000, John the Baptist is beheaded, and Jesus sends out the Twelve. Whew!

There are so many good points I could bring out of the stories in Mark 6. However, I think I will just skip to my SOAP, which might be a little longer than usual!

Scripture:

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest a while.""~Mark 6:30-31

Observation:

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had commisioned or sent out his twelve disciples to prepare the way for him. They would teach and preach and heal people, just like Jesus did. Evidently, some time passed and the disciples came back to report to Jesus what had happened. Jesus knew that his disciples had gone through a lot, and needed a little rest and relaxation before he sent them out into the field again. So, Jesus said,

"Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest a while."

Get away from real life for a while, Jesus told his disciples. Take a few days and meditate on what you've done and your connection with God. Spend some time thinking on spiritual matters, and be renewed for your next trip into my fields.

Application:

I know I'm stressed this idea before, but I feel that it's so important that I must talk about it again. What is it? Quiettime, alone time with God is a must. Just you. And God. Communing and communicating like best of friends, sharing all your troubles and joys, while God shares through his Holy Word what you should do, or perhaps he impresses you with a new idea. It may just be half hour, but daily prayer (you talking with God) and Bible reading (God talking with you) is so crucial to us, especially in our hectic society. Where almost nothing is sure, we need an anchor. That anchor is God, and a daily connection with him is a must. You will feel so much better--unloading your burdens to someone you know will care and understand. And God will be able to talk with you through the Bible, impressing you on various matters.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to carve alone time with you out of my schedule every day. Amen.

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P.S.--To learn more about this blogging-through-the-gospels program, or if YOU would like to join yourself (you're more than welcome-jump right in!!) go to: http://www.momstoolbox.com/