Rescue Plan
by Jennie Pierce
“Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in . . .”
by Jennie Pierce
“Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in . . .”
Mark 7:24 (NLT)
Sitting next to him on what was his first official airplane ride, I couldn’t help but be affected by the excitement that buzzed through his body. Unlike the seasoned traveler who typically settles right in for a nap, my son sat tall, observing everything around him, taking in every word the flight attendant spoke as she pointed here and there, explaining this and that. Suddenly, that excitement was squelched as the attendant explained the use of the oxygen masks, “Adults, assist yourselves FIRST, then the small child next to you.” She walked up and down the aisle purposefully stopping next to each adult who had a child by his side repeating, with emphasis, “Yourself FIRST, then the child.” Eyes widened and brows furrowed, my son exclaimed in disgust, “What?! That’s not fair!”
Initially, it does seem selfish, really: to assist yourself before assisting others. But consider the overall context. The health level of the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of one’s life will affect the degree to which we can help and rescue those around us. Jesus knew that full well. After a busy day of ministering to a large, needy crowd, He purposely put a pause on ministry for a break, for some food and physical rest, even though all the needs weren’t yet met. After another time of intense ministering, He tried to sneak away to a friend’s house for some R&R. Scripture clearly states that He didn’t want anyone to know where He was! There were times when Jesus withdrew from the people, and even His disciples, to be alone for some intense time of prayer.
What Jesus modeled was not selfishness, but a pattern for wise and healthy living. Even He knew and understood the limitations and needs wrapped up in our humanness. There is no guilt, no shame in choosing to take care of yourself, in order to take care of those around you.
I think children are far wiser than we give them credit. I told my son that what the attendant had said didn’t seem fair, at first, but I asked him to think about the “why” behind what she was suggesting. Then it dawned on him as he exclaimed, “Oh, I get it! You can’t help me very well if you need help, too!”
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? Change your thinking, and realize it is important to invest in the health of yourself, too.
2. This week, what is one purposeful idea you can implement to assist in your physical, emotional, or spiritual health? Whether it’s a vigorous walk around the block, coffee with a friend, or some God-and-you alone time -- Do it!
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 8:18,24, 14:23; Mark 6:31-32,46; Luke 6:12, 9:28
Jennie is a wife and mother of three teenagers. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.
Initially, it does seem selfish, really: to assist yourself before assisting others. But consider the overall context. The health level of the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of one’s life will affect the degree to which we can help and rescue those around us. Jesus knew that full well. After a busy day of ministering to a large, needy crowd, He purposely put a pause on ministry for a break, for some food and physical rest, even though all the needs weren’t yet met. After another time of intense ministering, He tried to sneak away to a friend’s house for some R&R. Scripture clearly states that He didn’t want anyone to know where He was! There were times when Jesus withdrew from the people, and even His disciples, to be alone for some intense time of prayer.
What Jesus modeled was not selfishness, but a pattern for wise and healthy living. Even He knew and understood the limitations and needs wrapped up in our humanness. There is no guilt, no shame in choosing to take care of yourself, in order to take care of those around you.
I think children are far wiser than we give them credit. I told my son that what the attendant had said didn’t seem fair, at first, but I asked him to think about the “why” behind what she was suggesting. Then it dawned on him as he exclaimed, “Oh, I get it! You can’t help me very well if you need help, too!”
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? Change your thinking, and realize it is important to invest in the health of yourself, too.
2. This week, what is one purposeful idea you can implement to assist in your physical, emotional, or spiritual health? Whether it’s a vigorous walk around the block, coffee with a friend, or some God-and-you alone time -- Do it!
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 8:18,24, 14:23; Mark 6:31-32,46; Luke 6:12, 9:28
Jennie is a wife and mother of three teenagers. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.
