Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Mark 6:30-34 (NRSV)

Read Mark 6:30-34 on biblegateway.com

Verse 30The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. Verse 31He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Verse 32And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Verse 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. Verse 34As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Devotion

The beginning of our gospel text this week shows us Jesus the teacher. This was not the role he chose to have; in fact, he was just trying to find a quiet place to rest. But the crowds followed and He saw that they were like “sheep without a shepherd,” adjusted his plans, and began teaching them many things. How often do we try to get away from others and simply relax, only to discover things in the way of the rest we so desperately long for? When I worked full-time at a church I can remember constantly being interrupted by people calling or stopping by my office. Although I hid it from them (hopefully), I would get frustrated. Didn’t they know how much work I had to get done? But then I heard a wise pastor use the expression; “ministry often happens in the interruptions.”

Prayer

God of wisdom, help us to see the interruptions in life as opportunities to love and serve your people. Amen.

Andy Jolivette Associate Director of Admissions, Luther Seminary

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