Invitation

Imagine it...

You are Jesus, walking mile after mile after mile, always surrounded by people. Even when you stop at a village to rest and perhaps have a meal - you are hemmed in all sides. Being judged by some, sought after by others. People clamoring for you everywhere.

Always being asked for something - heal this, fix that, show off what you can do for the doubters.

While your ministry is your reason for being, and you love & care about each person you encounter, you crave some solitude from time to time. Even his disciples, who do as he asks of them every day, must feel exhausted from the crowds.

After a long day of preaching, Jesus aches for some quiet. A moment of privacy, perhaps? A chance to duck out of a crowded space and just - be. Even a quiet space with his disciples. Review the day, have a small meal, relax for just a moment.

And just when you, as a disciple, feel like you can't take anymore of this. You love Jesus and you believe in him yet...you just need to sit down. Rest your sandy feet, shake out your cloak.

Jesus issues you an invitation.

The sweetest invitation you will ever receive, from anyone, at any time.

Rest with him. Rest with Jesus.

Who? Me? Am I invited to do this? 

I am a sinful human. I'm not worth the dust on his sandals. I am definitely not worthy of sitting down with Jesus. Sharing a meal...sitting in the quiet with Jesus...?

You've got to be kidding me.

And yet there is the invitation - Jesus is waiting oh-so-patiently for my answer; your answer. He wants nothing else from us. Just take a walk with him, to a place not too far away (for he knows everyone is exhausted), perhaps there will be a bench or stone there to sit on. If not, sitting on the ground will be better than standing for much longer.

So Jesus invites us to sit with him. To retreat from the crowds and join him in solitude. All the while knowing that we will take so much healing from the serenity that can only come from sitting with him.

To be in his presence. Can you imagine it?