Slow Down!

Retreat Message 1

Introduction to theme

Prayer

Illustration Story

Luke 5:15–16 NLT

But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Why didn’t Jesus want news of his power to spread?

(I’m tryna go viral)

SLOW DOWN!

When I

Hummingbirds: “It’s expensive to fly. You burn out. You fry the machine. You melt the engine. Every creature on earth has approximately two billion heartbeats to spend in a lifetime. You can spend them slowly, like a tortoise and live to be two hundred years old, or you can spend them fast, like a hummingbird, and live to be two years old.”

What does this have to do with God?

God invented this idea called Sabbath.

Genesis 2:1–3 NLT

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Then, he commanded it:

Exodus 20:8–11 NLT

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

Sabbath isn’t just laying on the couch watching movies all day. Sabbath is set apart time to rest and intentionally worship God.

Stop (in the name of love)

The word Sabbath comes from a Hebrew word that literally means STOP. Like a big, red stop sign. Stop what you’re doing and wait. And while you’re waiting, don’t fiddle with your phone or change the radio, pay attention to God. He’s there, with you.

Now, by the time we get to Jesus,

Look back at Jesus:

Luke 8 - The woman who stopped Jesus in the middle of a miracle

John 11 - Lazarus. Jesus waits 4 days

John 6:15 “When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.”

It’s not just about time: Jesus slowed down his fame and his success.

He often withdrew to the wilderness to pray - When we slow down, we get away from the pressures of school and sports and friends and all that stuff and we just spend some time with God in prayer, in scripture, and in silence.

Camp Challenge:

Slow Down

Spend Time with God

Leave your phone in the dorm