The Gift of Rest

Jesus invites us into his rest.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”
Mark 6:31 New International Version

The Sangres de Cristo Mountains are one of the longest mountain chains in the world running from Poncha Pass in Colorado to Glorieta Pass in New Mexico.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado

Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado

Sangre de Cristo is Spanish for blood of Christ. It’s believed that these mountains received their name because of the red color reflected off the snow at sunrise and sunset.

The Sangres are a place of respite. There are no major cities close to the Sangres in Colorado, so the miles upon miles of hiking trails are places of solitude. The Rainbow Trail itself runs north and south for 100 miles. The Sangres invite us to rest.

Jesus’ invitation to his disciples is his invitation to you.

The rest you and I need begins in the blood of Christ. We enter his rest through the gift of forgiveness. We don’t have to live in the guilt and shame that for so long have permeated our lives.  His blood has washed away our guilt.

With his blood covering you, you’re invited today into his presence for rest. I don’t know what stresses you face, but God does. Rest from all that pummels your life is found in the presence of Jesus Christ. His promise is true; he is with you to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

About Douglas Brauner

I'm a retired pastor, blogger, and photographer. (Oh, and did I mention husband and father?) I encourage people who wrestle with life to focus on Christ so that they experience hope and joy on life's treadmill.