Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, November 30, 2020

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."¹

Some time ago I read how "an ethics professor at Princeton Seminary asked for volunteers for an extra assignment. About half the class met him at the library to receive their assignments. The professor divided the students into three groups of five each.

"He gave the first group envelopes telling them to proceed immediately across campus to Stewart Hall. He told them that they had 15 minutes and if they didn't arrive on time, it would affect their grade. A minute or two later, he handed out envelopes to five others. They were also to go over to Stewart Hall, but they had 45 minutes. The third group had three hours to get to Stewart Hall.

"The students weren't aware of it, but the professor had arranged for three drama students to meet them along the way. Close to the beginning of their walk, one of the drama students had his hands on his head and was moaning aloud as if in great pain. About half way to Stewart Hall, on the steps of the chapel, the seminary students passed a man who was lying face down as if unconscious. Finally, on the steps of Stewart Hall, the third drama student was acting out a seizure.

"In the first group of students, those who had only 15 minutes to get across campus, no one stopped to help. In the second group, two students stopped to help. In the last group, the one that had three hours for their assignment, all of the students stopped to help at least one person. The professor had clearly shown these seminarians that hurry hinders ministry."²

Even when I was a student in college I had a quote taped to my desk which read, "Beware of the barrenness of a busy life." Of this I constantly need to remind myself as battling busyness for me has been a constant challenge.

As another has said, "Come apart and rest awhile before you come apart."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to find a way to cut back on my over-busyness so I have more quality time with my family, and am available in times of emergency (regardless of how busy I happen to be) to help another who needs a helping hand. Please help me to become more and more like Jesus in every way. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus to his disciples in Mark 6:31 (NIV).
2. http://www.esermons.com/.

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