Jesus Prioritized Rest

Dec 13

Written By Marissa

The holiday season is in full swing and the to-do list for each day just doubled.

Cookies to bake, parties to plan, gifts to order, decorating to complete, and friends to entertain. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can often overtake the “reason for the season”. However, God is very clear about rest.

We first see rest displayed by God himself when He creates the Earth. Genesis 2:3 tells us, “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done” (NIV).

Then, we see Jesus prioritize rest for Himself as well as His disciples. For context in the following passage, Jesus just sent out the disciples to minister in different places. They have returned and are reporting to Jesus their experiences. And what does Jesus do? He takes them to rest.

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him 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 6:30, NIV).

During the holidays we have a beautiful opportunity to be sent out to minister to our communities just as Jesus sent the disciples. This season provides a great foundation to serve others and point them back to the birth of Jesus. A true celebration! Our first instinct is to invite, serve, and include not only those closest in our lives but even strangers.

However, we might begin to feel the demands of the season becoming too much, we must remember God built us space to rest. God made it holy to rest and restore. We must fill up in His word and His promises to live in the way He intended. Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew 4:4 when he says, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (NIV).

Let us remember in such a sweet season of exciting activities with friends and family that we are encouraged to rest. We must spend time to recharge in the Word of God so we can let this season of generosity truly thrive.

Marissa

Marissa Tarantino currently lives in New York City, though she grew up in East Tennessee. In both places she has worked in children’s ministry to help kids meet Jesus. She values having a deep, personal relationship with the Lord and letting His voice guide her steps in life.

Marissa works as a Tax Consultant, but has always loved writing. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring New York City, drinking coffee, and reading a good book. However, Marissa’s main joy is spending quality time with family and friends!

You can learn more on Marissa’s Instagram here.