Luke 9:10-11

I cannot speak for anyone else on this matter, but when I am totally spent, “times of refreshing” with my Lord are not only necessary for rejuvenation, but oh so tenderly sweet! The disciples had just returned from casting out demons, curing diseases and proclaiming the kingdom of God. When vessels of clay are empowered by the Spirit of the great “I AM” to be used for His purposes and glory, the aftereffects on that vessel are nothing short of sheer exhaustion. I am confident that these men were looking forward to some alone time with their Jesus. One of my favorite promises of Scripture regarding this topic is found in Proverbs: 25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov 11:25 (NIV)
As we do for others in ministering, God sees to it that we too will be refreshed. One can never out give God. Another wonderful citing from Scripture regarding this is found in Luke chapter six:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV)
And, of course, we all know that God loves a cheerful giver. Considering the condition of His weary disciples and their desire to have some time alone with Him, it is interesting to me Jesus’ reaction to the crowds that ensue. This is a great lesson indeed on handling Divine interruptions! I am the first to admit that when I have “my plans” nailed down, I do not like them to be altered. But God often sends interruptions. I believe that there are many reasons for this not the least of which is that it certainly reveals a reflection of our attitudes towards our plans and His. These crowds needed healing. These throngs of lost sheep needed to know of the kingdom of God. I love the fact that Scripture tells us Jesus “welcomed them”. I am ashamed to say, that probably would not have been my first reaction. They needed care and He could give it. I looked up “welcome” in the Oxford Dictionary and found its meaning tendered (and pierced) my heart – “to receive gladly, a kind or glad reception, receive with pleasure, gladly given”. What an example our Lord holds out for us to follow! Instead of showing annoyance and irritation over an interruption to our agendas, we are to embrace this need before us as an opportunity for kingdom work. We are all, quite frankly, Esther’s – placed in each of our circumstances for such a time as this. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esth 4:14 (NIV) Jesus was always about His Father’s business. He tells us:17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." John 5:17 (NIV)
And again He tells us: 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:3-5 (NIV)
God has set time limits for His work to be done here on earth. He has also ordained plans for us to accomplish while we are here. Paul tells us in Ephesians: 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 (NIV)
The Bible Knowledge Commentary sheds some interesting light on the above verse: “This verse, beginning with For, tells why this salvation is not from man or by his works. The reason is that salvation is God’s workmanship. The word “workmanship” (poi¢ma), used only here and in Romans 1:20 (where the NIV renders it “what has been made”) denotes a work of art or a masterpiece. It differs from human “works” (ergœn) in Ephesians 2:9. Believers are God’s workmanship because they have been created (a work only God can do) in Christ Jesus (cf. “in Christ Jesus” in vv. 6-7). The purpose of this creation is that believers will do good works. God’s workmanship is not achieved by good works, but it is to result in good works (cf. Titus 2:14; 3:8). In the clause, which God prepared in advance for us to do, the word “which” refers back to the “works” in the previous clause. “For us to do” is literally “in order that we might walk in them.” The purpose of these prepared-in-advance works is not “to work in them” but “to walk in them.” In other words, God has prepared a path of good works for believers which He will perform in and through them as they walk by faith. This does not mean doing a work for God; instead, it is God’s performing His work in and through believers (cf. Phil. 2:13).” In light of this marvelous truth:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Gal 6:9-10 (NIV)