The Ministry of Health and Healing

Renewing Spiritual Energy

Just after returning from their first missionary tour Jesus invited His disciples to “‘Come aside ... and rest a while.’” The disciples had returned, filled with the joy of their success as heralds of the gospel, when the tidings reached them of the death of John the Baptist at the hand of Herod. It was a bitter sorrow and disappointment. Jesus knew that in leaving the Baptist to die in prison He had severely tested the disciples’ faith. With pitying tenderness He looked upon their sorrowful, tear-stained faces. Tears were in His own eyes and voice as He said, “‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’” Mark 6:31. MHH 25.1

Near Bethsaida, at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, was a lonely region, beautiful with the fresh green of spring, that offered a welcome retreat to Jesus and His disciples. For this place they set out, going in their boat across the lake. Here they could rest, away from the confusion of the multitude. Here the disciples could listen to the words of Christ, undisturbed by the retorts and accusations of the Pharisees. Here they hoped to enjoy a short season of fellowship with their Lord. MHH 25.2

Jesus had only a short time alone with His beloved ones, but how precious to them were those few moments. They talked together regarding the work of the gospel and the possibility of making their efforts more effective in reaching the people. As Jesus opened to them the treasures of truth, they were vitalized by divine power and inspired with hope and courage. MHH 25.3

But soon the multitude was again looking for Him. Supposing that He had gone to His usual place of retirement, the people followed Him there. His hope to gain even one hour of rest was frustrated. But in the depth of His pure, compassionate heart the Good Shepherd of the sheep had only love and pity for these restless, thirsting souls. All day He ministered to their needs, and at evening dismissed them to go to their homes and rest. MHH 25.4

In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Savior found it necessary to turn aside from ceaseless activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father. As the throng that had followed Him departed, He went into the mountains, and there, alone with God, poured out His soul in prayer for these suffering, sinful, needy ones. MHH 25.5

When Jesus said to His disciples that the harvest was great and the workers were few, He did not urge upon them the necessity of ceaseless toil, but counseled them, “‘Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 9:38, NRSV. To His toilworn workers today as really as to His first disciples He speaks these words of compassion, “Come aside by yourselves ... and rest a while.” MHH 25.6

All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. In them is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices, and they need to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. MHH 25.7

This is the effectual preparation for all service for God. Amidst the hurrying throng and the strain of life’s intense activities, all who are thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. They will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength. Their lives will breathe out a fragrance and will reveal a divine power that will reach people’s hearts. MHH 26.1