Matthew Chapter 13: Verses 1-2 (NLT Translation)
Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd gathered round him, so he got into a boat. There he sat and taught as the people stood on the shore.
We don’t know why Jesus left the house to go and sit by the lake. He’d already had a busy day teaching so maybe He hoped for a wee bit of time out, or maybe it was to show people that He was available and see who would turn up. He certainly didn’t get much time to Himself because so many people gathered that He used a boat as a platform to speak from as they stood listening from the shore. We can come to Jesus at any time of day – He always makes time for us!
Its right for us to take time out when we are busy too – but what do we do with our time? Do we use it to seek out Jesus? Maybe He is sitting waiting for us to show up, because He has something He wants to tell us. No matter how busy we are, let’s make the effort to make time for Jesus. It doesn’t have to be on a boat, it can be anywhere at all. It could even be when we’re out for a walk, or anywhere else we can get away from a crowd.
Dear God,
Thank You that Jesus always made time to reach out to people, to teach and meet needs, but He also made spending time with You, His Heavenly Father, a priority. May I never be too busy to spend time with Jesus and to make time with You a priority too when You always have time for me.
I ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.