Replenishment and Focus
| Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. (Mark1:35-39) |
Teaching,
Healing,
Exorcising
and Exercising as He travelled around the countryside.
How did He manage?
How did He keep up the pace?
How did He avoid the kind of mistakes that could have disqualified Him?
How did He keep on loving people when they swamped Him for miracles?
In this introductory overview of Jesus' ministry, Mark does not only describe Jesus' output, but he also clearly shows us His input.
Jesus (1) got up early in the morning, (2) took some quiet solitary time, (3) ensured His environment was conducive, and He (4) prayed. It was an island of peace in a busy maelstrom of activity and demands.
It seems He has barely said "Amen" and the disciples are all over Him: "Everyone is looking for you."
BUT Jesus doesn't sigh or groan.
His reserves have been replenished.
His focus has been renewed.
"Let's go to a new space" (i.e. renewed demand and desperation)
"I must preach there - that is why I have come."
My tank gets empty and I sometimes forget why I am here and how I was saved and called.
I know I need to learn from Jesus!
