Mark 6:31 Then JESUS suggested, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat. So they left by boat for a quieter spot. [Living Bible]
Summary
The sixth chapter of the book of Mark is filled with activity and events.
At the beginning of the chapter, JESUS receives a stunning rejection from HIS own, the townspeople of Nazareth, where HE grew up. JESUS returned to Nazareth with the disciples ready to teach, ready to work and ready to help. But the people of Nazareth could not accept A SAVIOR from Nazareth. Perhaps the people of Nazareth had been browbeaten so many times that even they thought “Nothing good comes from Nazareth” [John1:46]. Or, perhaps after years of disappointment, their “spiritual vision” was just impaired. When JESUS performed miracles, instead of “seeing” something “wonderful,” they were “offended,” stating to themselves, how could this person, who is “no better than we are” do great things! [Mark 6:3]. They saw JESUS as just “Mary’s boy”, “just a carpenter’s kid.” To them, HE was just part of a “bottom of barrel hood,” called Nazareth.
Even JESUS “marveled” at these people’s lack of faith. The evidence and the miracles were staring them right in the face, but they “wouldn’t believe.” [Mark 6:6].
After leaving Nazareth, JESUS’ evangelistic ministry “hits the streets running.” JESUS gave the disciples their “charge” and gave them “power.” [Mark 6:7]. Sending them out in pairs, they were to heal, teach and stay focused--being totally unconcerned about their own comforts and needs. They were given no food, no clothes, no money, no extra shoes, no change of clothes and no knapsack. They were to carry a staff, but nothing more. Perhaps the staff was a reminder that they were representing THE GOOD SHEPARD of the sheep. [John 10:11].
It was a grueling mission of heavy village-by-village ministry. It was also a dangerous mission because in Mark chapter six we learn of the beheading of John the Baptist and also learned that John’s group of disciples had to bury John’s body. John had performed miracles and healed too. So, it must have been pretty clear to everyone that being “a disciple” was certainly not without its risks.
After all the prior events, after traveling, without food, money, clothing or even anything to carry anything in, JESUS’ disciples returned. Their first tour of duty was now over. They must have been a sight. They were ready to tell JESUS everything that they had done and taught.
We are not told what JESUS did while the disciples traveled. Perhaps JESUS was praying night and day for HIS flock, much like a parent prays for a teenage child late at night awaiting the child’s return, or when that child goes off to school, travels to a foreign place, or enters the dangerous world alone for the first time. Perhaps JESUS was fasting too. Perhaps healing power went out of JESUS every time the disciples healed in HIS name. [See Luke 8:46]. We just don’t know….
What we do know is that JESUS looked at the returning disciples and said, let’s get away for a while and rest.
Exercise Rests
Rests are important to exercise workouts.
People who do strength training or who work on one or two muscle groups per session usually incorporate a day or two of rest before their next session. Some people, for example, work on the upper body one part of the week and lower body during another part of the week. A great deal will depend on the intensity of your workout and your body. It is important to listen to your body.
Although it is called “rest” what this term may actually be a misnomer when we are talking about the need for “recovery time.” According to Jess Novak, “When your body rests, it’s actually being super productive.” The body is trying to reload its glucose stores or trying to lay down more muscle. Michele Olson, Ph.D., a professor of sports at Huntingdon College, describes the physiology for rest and recovery this way:
During a training session, your muscle tissues break down, your muscles' energy stores get depleted, and you lose fluids. "[During strength training] your muscles experience micro-tears"…. Those micro-tears have to heal and require more protein so that they can come back stronger, she adds. When muscles experience these tiny tears, they send a signal that they are injured and in response, special cells that are involved in growing a www.self.com/story/rest-strength-workouts.
nd regenerating muscle cells come to the rescue. This process ultimately increases the muscles' size and strength.
See, “Here’s How Much Rest You Need Between Strength Workouts, June 14, 2017, by Jess Novak, www.self.com/story/rest-strength-workouts.
It is also important to take water “breaks” before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Muscle tissue contains about 79% water. When you work out, sweat and become dehydrated, the muscles fatigue and you can lose coordination. Drinking water is another way to try to restore the body and prevent exercise decline. Taking a short rest to grab a drink of water is important during Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, or any exercise involving your muscles. Water rest breaks are important whenever you exercise.
Resting before exercise may also mean getting a good night’s sleep or have time for stillness. If you are sick or injured you may also need rest. If you suffer an injury speak with your personal physician about the right time to return to exercise and the right amount of exercises for you.
REST
JESUS said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Just believe.
Pray. Rest and BE BLESSED.
