Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-2

NIV

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:

The Message

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

Something to Think About:

Get ready for a super weekend! This is the attitude we should have when God gives us some time back. For me, I like to retreat to the beach. Isn’t it great to get away to the beach especially in the fall? And what timing; with school and all that comes with it cranking up again, a retreat couldn’t come at a better time I say.

This was true for Jesus and his disciples in the passage you read above. Life was starting to get a little crazy for them. Everywhere Jesus went he was drawing large crowds of people. News of his teachings and unbelievable miracles of healing was spreading everywhere - through large cities and small towns too. People were bringing everyone they knew (folks, sick in one way or another) to Jesus. And he healed every one he touched. It was amazing to watch. Overwhelming so. 

This ministry was getting too busy. To calm things down and recapture the focus of his disciples Jesus climbed up on a hillside away from the chaos with his friends. He did this so that he might have a quiet place to be with them and share his thoughts about God and the way of life He was calling them to live.

You’ve been given a opportunities to get away recently. Did you take them? How about this weekend? You could settle for a great couple of days or retreat, maybe even at the beach. Or you could go deeper- seizing the moment and taking full advantage of quieting your hectic world down a bit. The opportunity to set aside some special time with Jesus and those you love is there.

Imagine…As you enjoy the warmth of sun or quietness of a retreat to your prayer closet… look for times to breathe in peace and gratitude. Reach out and capture the deeper meanings of life as if you could feel the sand between your toes. Listen to the waves of the ocean and consider the beauty and mystery of God our Father in your mind’s eye. If you do you just might experience something you’ve never known before.

What is keeping you? Jump to the opportunity and enjoy time with Jesus.

Reflect:

Is there something going on in your life that needs quieting down? Promise yourself that you will share it with someone that will listen and understand this weekend.

Pray:

FATHER GOD,

THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO RETREAT WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND.

I’M GLAD TO BE HERE.

YOU KNOW THAT I’M STARTING TO GET BUSY AGAIN.

CALM MY HEART AND MIND SO THAT I CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF TIME SPENT WITH YOU.

I GIVE YOU MY FULL ATTENTION.

I’M IN MY QUIET PLACE.

TEACH ME HOW TO BE QUIET.

I LOVE YOU. AMEN