Come aside.

There was a time when I assumed (!) that "retirement" would mean long days sitting in the porch, in my late father's rocking chair, a tartan rug over my knees, a good book in my hands, and a bottle of IrnBru by my side. What total bliss!

What total nonsense! I can't recall any time in my life when I have been as busy! Indeed, I am currently giving very serious consideration to stepping back a bit from some of the commitments that I have taken on - especially since coming to France.

Some years ago, I read the story of a group of explorers in Africa (okay, that's a big area, but I can't recall which country!) who hired a group of villagers to help them on their journey through the jungle. The group set out, and pushed forward relentlessly for several days. Eventually, the tribesmen sat down, and said that they would go no farther. When asked for a reason, their leader explained, "We've been going too quickly. We must pause and wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies."! It's amazing how some of those whom we might consider to be "primitive", can be so far ahead of us in certain areas!

Many people in our 21st century world are constantly 'chasing their tails' (think of a young dog!); trying to 'get ahead'; climbing the corporate ladder; seeking social status. This is also true of many who profess to be disciples of Jesus! Many have overextended themselves in a flurry of church activities; involved themselves in other worthwhile pursuits; spending time attending every possible church gathering - and they have experienced the same kind of feeling as those African tribesmen. Being so pre-occupied with these activities, and even with helping others, they suddenly feel as if they have left the most important part of themselves behind - even their soul! They have lost intimate contact with their Creator.

The words of Jesus to His worn-out disciples, as recorded by Mark, were: "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while." (6:31). This shows that He knows our human frailties. He knows that our physical, and spiritual, batteries need to be recharged through a time of rest, and fellowship, with Him.

If our schedule leaves no time for rest, and for nurturing our spiritual life, then we are too busy! Father God does not ask us to be constantly "on the go" - rushing here and there; getting into a frazzle; expending more and more energy that is achieving less and less. Sometimes He simply wants us to "rest a while.", so that our souls may "catch up", and be refreshed for the challenges that lie ahead.

I have just one book by Vince Havner on my bookshelves, but it is full of great illustrations, and pithy sayings. He writes: "If Christians [and the same may be applied, I suggest, even to those who are not!] do not "Come apart and rest a while", they may just plain 'come apart'"!

Just be sure that you don't go to the other end of the pendulum's swing - and stop working!!!

Of Sirens, and Bellbirds!

The Sirens, in Greek mythology, were three sea-nymphs who lured sailors to their death with their bewitching song.  The hero, Odysseus, however, managed to escape their deceptive call as he sailed by, by tying himself to the mast of his ship, and having his crew block their ears with wax.  The Sirens were so distressed to see a man apparently hear their song, and yet escape, that they threw themselves into the sea, and drowned.

That story, we may safely accept, is untrue.  However, the following story, related by Rev. George B.Robeson, a former Acting Principal of Jaffna Central College in Sri Lanka, is given as accurate. Lost in the jungle, a man sought desperately to find his way to safety. His strength was ebbing fast as the insects and stifling heat did their deadly work. Suddenly he heard what he thought to be a bell tolling in the distance. Believing he was nearing civilization, he struggled bravely onward; but he never seemed to draw closer to the sound. Finally, he fell to the ground exhausted, never to rise again. The mysterious bellbird had claimed another victim!   Mr Robeson says many a traveller in the heart of the rain forest of Central and South America has been led to his death by the bell-sounding call of this seldom-seen bird. Many times this bird with its call entices people to get off of the path to seek out the sound. 

This, also, is all too true.   Satan employs subtle devices to ensnare the human race. Even as individuals seek to free themselves from the grip of sin, they are lead astray by the tempter’s “bell” ringing in the distance. “At last,” They think, “I’ve found a way of escape,” and so, following the call of the evil one deeper and deeper into the jungle of despair, they are eventually lost for eternity. 

Many are following the deceptive call of the sirens, or of the devil’s “bell-bird”, because it seems right to them. However Jesus, the Christ, Who declared that “No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6), is the only One Who can lead us to the promised land of salvation and safety!