Aside

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Well, I’ve been “off” for the past two Sundays (vacation and Annual Conference), and I’ve got one more to endure….uh…enjoy.  

The churches I serve take 5^th Sundays as a Sabbath from worship services and fellowship, so I won’t be preaching this Sunday.  What do you call a preacher who doesn’t get to preach for 3 weeks?  I’m not sure, but inside he feels like a caged lion.  There’s a compulsion to share God’s Word on the inside which must be satisfied.  To repress that messes with everything holy (and human)!

But there are those times!

Jesus sent his apostles out to heal, cast out demons and preach.  When they got back they were exhilarated and enthused; they couldn’t wait for the next assignment.  Jesus could have sent them right off again – they were energized for the task – but it would have been like the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain…lots of energy, short on direction and purpose.

Jesus knew the apostles needed to take some time aside to reflect and learn from their ministry experience.  

So do you.

Today, especially if it’s your habit to jump-into the day, slow down; the world will be there tomorrow!  And Jesus has much to teach you when He takes you aside.