Read: Matthew 14:13-23

He departed from there by
boat to a deserted place
by Himself. -Matt. 14:13

They call themselves “rovers.” Their goal is to visit
all 270 stations on the London Underground, the world’s
largest subway system, in the shortest time. The
current world record is 18 hours, 18 minutes, 9 seconds.
In the process, a rover will cover 245 miles on the
“tube,” run 11 miles above ground between stations, and
climb 3,000 stairs. Detours are annoying and delays are
intolerable. Rush hour lasts all day.

There are times when rushing is required – to set a
record, to win a race, or to save a life. But constant
rushing can become a defense against responding to
people in need. When we become obsessed with our plans,
everything about us shouts, “Don’t even think about
interrupting me!”

Who had more reasons to rush than Jesus? Yet no one
responded to needy people more graciously than He did.
Matthew described a time when Jesus went by boat to a
deserted place for a well-deserved rest. But when Jesus
saw the multitudes who had followed Him, “He was moved
with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Mt.
14:14).

Yes, there are times to rush. But there are also
times to accept interruptions as God-given opportunities
to help people in need. Let’s follow jesus’ example.
-David C. McCasland

Lord, if I’m feeling rushed today,
I need Your eyes to help me see
That when an interruption comes
It is an opportunity. -Sper

INTERRUPTIONS CAN BE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.