thoughts on Mark 1.35-39
Jesus is interested in solitude. In trying to wrap my mind around his whirlwind schedule: baptism, fasting, temptation, preaching, healing, casting out demons. And this is just the first chapter!
I think some solitude might be in order. Then I think about my whirlwind schedule: meetings, phone calls, youth programs, sunday school class, hanging out with my wife, studying, driving, constantly on the move. I think some solitude might be in order.
Now, this isn't explicitly stated in the text, but when Jesus is found he says, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. (emphasis mine) I make this emphasis to show the clarity of mission and purpose that Jesus has following this time of solitude.
This is just an inference, but it stands to reason that clarity would come from solitude in which Jesus prayed. Where is my solitude? Do I just get away to pray? Am I missing clarity of mission in my life because I am missing solitude?
"Before God will ask you to do something for him, he wants you to spend time with him."
I think some solitude might be in order. Then I think about my whirlwind schedule: meetings, phone calls, youth programs, sunday school class, hanging out with my wife, studying, driving, constantly on the move. I think some solitude might be in order.
Now, this isn't explicitly stated in the text, but when Jesus is found he says, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. (emphasis mine) I make this emphasis to show the clarity of mission and purpose that Jesus has following this time of solitude.
This is just an inference, but it stands to reason that clarity would come from solitude in which Jesus prayed. Where is my solitude? Do I just get away to pray? Am I missing clarity of mission in my life because I am missing solitude?
"Before God will ask you to do something for him, he wants you to spend time with him."