Come away with me
One of my favorite childhood jokes was about a lady who opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves.
Lady: “What are you doing in there?”
Rabbit: “This refrigerator is a Westinghouse, isn’t it?”
Lady: “Yes.”
Rabbit: “Well, I’m westing.”
Everybody needs a “westing” house. “Rest Area” signs along every major freeway remind us that in order to drive safely drivers should rest and stretch their legs. These signs are metaphoric reminders that every individual needs a rest area, a time away from the stresses and hurried routines of our lives.
Some people think they do not have to be told to slow down and smell the roses, because they are already going through life as if they are reincarnated snails. They say: “Jesus said, ‘Come away with me to a quiet place,’ so we moved to Pine Island and now all that we do is spend our day planning for a dull evening, and occasionally burn the midnight oil by staying up past 9.”
However, even these take it slow and easy turtles have to cope with artificial lights, the din of automobile horns, soap operas, carbon monoxide, cigar smoke, noisy neighbors, slow drivers and gum sticking to their shoes. As a result, they too suffer from ulcers and high blood pressure. If people would be perfectly honest, they would admit that their physical ailments come from practicing the wrong religion. They are 7th day absentists.
Jesus said: “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Note the implication, without Jesus there is no rest. We are not “Energizer Bunnies,” we need to spend time with our Good Shepherd and allow Him to lead us to His still waters and His green pastures where He will restore our spirits” (Ps. 23:2-3). We cannot take time off from Jesus any more than our hearts can take time off from beating. It is interesting that the longest of the Ten Commandments covers four long verses and begins: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8-11).
Jesus says: “Come away with Me to a quiet place.” Follow Him and let His Spirit renew, refresh and empower you as you hear His gentle whisper: “I am here, and I am with you.”
Roger Lemke is pastor of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road. Call the church at 239-283-1170.