When the apostles returned from their first missionary journey, the Saviour’s command to them was, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.”Mark 6:31. They had been putting their whole souls into labor for the people, and this was exhausting their physical and mental strength. It was their duty to rest.
(GW 243.1)
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Christ’s words of compassion are spoken to His workers today just as surely as to His disciples. “Come ye yourselves apart, ...and rest awhile,”(Mark 6:31) He says to those who are worn and weary. It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and excitement, even in ministering to men’s spiritual needs; for in this way personal piety is neglected, and the powers of mind and soul and body are overtaxed. Self-denial is required of the servants of Christ, and sacrifices must be made; but God would have all study the laws of health, and use reason when working for Him, that the life which He has given may be preserved.
(GW 243.2)
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Though Jesus could work miracles, and had empowered His disciples to work miracles, He directed His worn servants to go apart into the country and rest. When He said that the harvest was great and the laborers were few, He did not urge upon His disciples the necessity of ceaseless toil, but said, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.”Matthew 9:38. God has appointed to every man his work, according to his ability; and He would not have a few weighted with responsibilities, while others have no burden, no travail of soul.
(GW 243.3)
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