Pastor's
Devotion—November 2008
Needs of Those Who Serve
Matthew 14 chronicles a hectic day in the life of Jesus Christ. So famous is this day- that Max Lucado devotes an entire book to it - in his book "In the Eye of the Storm".
Matthew 14:12 tells us Jesus receives news of his relative, John the Baptist's death via decapitation at the hands of Herod Antipas.
One can only imagine the anger at this injustice welling up in His heart, and the sorrow of losing someone close to Him that He loves.
It apparently did affect Jesus, this horrid news. We read in Matthew 14:13 that as soon as he heard the news, he tried to go away to be alone.
"As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone." (New Living Translation)
Jesus needed time to be alone in the face of such horrendous news. But He didn't get the space to do so - in that same verse we read, "But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns." (NLT)
He didn't get the space required, and instead, went ahead to minister to the people, who were oblivious to His own internal turmoil.
Ever been obligated to cast aside your own struggles to put the needs of others before yourself? Well, if you have- Jesus did too. He understands.
We later read, that evening came, Jesus tried to let His disciples have a chance to show their faith and play a part in a miracle of feeding the 5000 strong crowd. Perhaps He felt, they'd been with Him long enough, surely they can demonstrate some practical faith of what they'd learnt from Him.
He says, in Matthew 14:16: "That isn't necessary - YOU feed them." (NLT- emphasis mine)
Perhaps Jesus wanted to see if they could apply the knowledge and faith that He had been imparting to them all this time-in this particular situation of feeding the 5000.
They fail at this minor challenge that Jesus gives unto them-by focussing their eyes on the logistics (the physical amount of bread and fish), and failing to see what God can miraculously do - and Jesus has to do it Himself, enacting a miracle that multiplies the food till it sufficiently feeds all 5000 present.
Those who've been teachers before, will understand the slight disappointment felt- when our pupils seem to have not grasped anything from the lessons we've taught them. One can only imagine how Jesus feels, at this point- coupled with the sorrow He continues to feel over John the Baptist's death.
Matthew 14:23 tells us that Jesus proceeded to send the people home, after feeding them. He put the disciples in a boat to cross the lake in. And then He went up ALONE into the hills to pray.
The busy day had come and gone, and His pain remained. His need for time alone, to seek solace in God the Father remained. And whilst He met the needs of others, He never forgot to take time out to have His own needs met- with the Father.
To soothe the ache of His hurting heart.
To seek rejuvenation in the time of crisis.
Dear fellow laborer in God's fields- are you struggling in the midst of ministry? So many needs that need to be met, from your CG, from your Sunday School class, from the flock God has given to you - that you try to get away but the needs follow you, oblivious to your pain and needing attention?
If so—can I say 2 things?
Firstly, Jesus knows exactly what you're going through. He knows the disappointment you feel. He knows the pain you have in your heart. He knows what its like to give ourselves second place and have other needs preced our own.
The crowds may not understand. Those who receive the benefits of your labor in ministry- may not comprehend or are oblivious to it. But Jesus knows and understands.
Secondly, while you nobly lift others needs before yours. While you rescue situations that need attention, don't forget your own. Like Jesus did in Matthew 14:23, you must come to a time of rest, prayer, rejuvenation and restoration. Your own needs must be met. That's called SELF CARE.
God the Father who met Jesus' needs on the hills that very night, is also waiting in the night of our life's struggles to meet with you- if only you'd make time to be alone, and come to Him.
There is a time when you have to send the crowds home. Tell the disciples to leave you alone. And meet with God.
For allow me to draw your attention to what comes in the later half of Matthew 14.
The Jesus who went up the hills to meet with God at the end of a hectic day- reappeared to the disciples as the Lord who walked on waters to come to rescue them from the stormy lake.
Rest and rejuvenation in the arms of God, in the midst of our turmoil - gives us strength to go on and continue ministering, teaching, serving His kingdom in great and powerful ways.
Don't neglect the crowds - but there must come a time when they have to go home. And just as importantly, don't neglect your own time with Him - He can give you peace amidst your struggles
Rev Joel Yong