Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul… We like to think of Paul at Sidon. We are not only glad to know that he had the opportunity of gaining such material provision as would help to mitigate the severities of the long weeks of suffering in store; we like to dwell on that one day's "happy interlude," when, forgetting the imprisonment at Caesarea, and ignorant of the imprisonment at Rome, he spent some hours of spiritual refreshment among his friends. We may dwell upon - I. THE NEED OF SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT. Our minds may be comparatively strong; our health may be sound; our spiritual faculties may be capable of very vigorous activity; but the time comes before many months, or perhaps weeks, or even days, when we need recreation and refreshment. The Father "worketh hitherto" - the omnipotent One, he who slumbereth not nor sleepeth, is putting forth untiring activity without cessation. But he is the Infinite One, the everlasting God who fainteth not, neither is weary; and even of him it is said that he "rested from his works." In some sense that was true even of the Supreme. We, with our feebleness and frailty, capable of such small and slight exertion, so soon weary with our work, need frequently recurring rest and refreshment of soul. Not only in mechanical industry or in mental exertion, but in philanthropic activities, and even in religious exercises, we need rest, change, and refreshment. II. THE JUSTIFICATION OF IT. Can we spare any time from duties so imperative as are ours who are engaged in holy usefulness, for mere recreation? Is it right to be passive, to leave the weapon untouched, the ground untilled, when so much is calling and even crying to be done, when such terrible weeds and thistles are disfiguring the "garden of the Lord"? It is right. We have: 1. The warrant of our Lord himself: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile" (Mark 6:31); and he himself often retired into the lonely mountain-fold for rest and refreshment of spirit. 2. Apostolic example (Galatians 1:18). 3. The experience of the wise and good of all ages. 4. The argument from necessity. Without it we break down; our spirit and our body are prostrated; the usefulness of our life is cut short. With it we regain strength, heart, and nerve for continued activity and helpfulness. "Oh, rest awhile, but only for a while; Life's business presses, and the time is short. Ease may the weary of reward beguile; Let not the workman lose what he has wrought. "Rest for a while, if only for a while; The strong birds tire, and gladly seek their nest; With quiet heart enjoy Heaven's quiet smile: What strength has he who never takes his rest?" III. THE SOURCES OF IT. We naturally suggest (1) relaxation of ordinary effort, of whatever kind it be; (2) change of scene and of employment. These are the simple and efficacious expedients which we commonly adopt. But beside these, we may mention; (3) genial and inspiring companionships - the finding out such "friends" as those of our text, and having free, unfettered intercourse with them; and (4) the solitude which suggests communion with God, that measure of loneliness which, without oppressing us, will send our thoughts first inward and then upward, in quiet meditation and in soothing, sustaining, refreshing prayer. "Oh, rest awhile, for rest is self-return; Leave the loud world, and visit thine own breast; The meaning of thy labors thou wilt learn. When thus at peace, with Jesus for thy Guest." = -c. Parallel Verses KJV: And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. |
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