How can we apply "Come with Me by yourselves" in our daily lives? Hearing the Invitation “ ‘Come with Me by yourselves to a solitary place, and rest a while.’ ” (Mark 6:31) Jesus spoke those words to disciples who were bone-tired from ministry, and He speaks them unchanged to us. The verb tenses are present and personal: Come. With Me. By yourselves. Rest. Each phrase matters. Stepping Back into the Scene • Crowds were “coming and going,” so relentless that the disciples “did not even have time to eat.” • Jesus did not congratulate their busyness; He protected their souls. • The command is literal history and ongoing pattern—our Lord expects His followers to withdraw with Him before they wear out. Why the Call Still Matters • Relationship first: “Come with Me” (cf. Matthew 11:28). Jesus Himself is the destination. • Solitude fosters listening: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • Rest is God-given, not self-indulgent: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). • Even Jesus modeled it: “Early in the morning…He went off to a solitary place and prayed” (Mark 1:35). “Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16). What Happens When We Withdraw with Jesus • Physical renewal—He remembers we are dust. • Soul restoration—“He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3). • Re-alignment of priorities—noise quiets, His voice rises. • Protection from pride—busy success yields to humble dependence. • Empowerment for ministry—after rest, the apostles fed five thousand. Practical Ways to “Come with Me” Each Day Daily Moments • Block a non-negotiable appointment in your calendar titled “Solitary Place with Jesus.” • Silence the phone, shut the door, open Scripture; read slowly until one verse arrests attention, then linger there. • Keep a simple journal: write what the text says about God, what it says about you, and one obedience step. • End the time sitting quietly; no agenda, just listening. Weekly Rhythms • Set aside an extended segment (half-day or evening) once a week for deeper reading, worship music, or a quiet walk praying Psalm 23 aloud. • Practice a digital Sabbath: turn off media for 24 hours to make mental space for the Shepherd’s voice. Seasonal Retreats • Schedule a quarterly day away at a park, retreat center, or even a quiet room at church. Bring only a Bible, water, and a notebook. • Read through a Gospel in one sitting, noting every place Jesus withdrew—let His pattern shape yours. Micro-Withdrawals Throughout the Day • Breathe a short prayer before meetings: “Lord, I come with You now.” • Use drive-time or dish-washing as “wilderness minutes” to recite memorized verses. • If crowds press (office, family), step outside for five minutes of fresh air and stillness. Guarding the Habit • Treat rest as obedience, not a luxury. • Communicate boundaries kindly: “I’d love to help after my quiet hour with the Lord.” • Enlist accountability—a friend who asks, “Where was your solitary place this week?” • Expect resistance; even disciples faced interruptions (Mark 6:33). Persist anyway. The Promised Fruit • Deeper joy—weariness replaced by glad service. • Clearer guidance—decisions flow from communion, not crisis. • Greater compassion—the rested heart sees people as sheep needing a Shepherd. • Enduring faith—rhythms of retreat train us to abide until we see Him face to face. Closing Thoughts The command is simple: “Come with Me.” The Shepherd still leads beside quiet waters. Accept His literal invitation today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime, and discover how rest in His presence fuels every other good work He asks of you. |
    |