S) "42 When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them."
Luke 4:42 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry
O) This is, by no means, the only example we have of Jesus going to be alone - whether to pray or rest. However, what I did notice about this particular passage, is that leading up to it almost gives the impression that Jesus was up all night ministering. That kind of work almost demands the seclusion that Jesus was seeking. Not to be truly alone, I think, but to be alone with His Father in heaven. Even so, the needy people would not be denied, and they found Him still. That in itself, seems like kind of a fulfillment of the words of Jesus, when He said that those who seek will find.
A) Passages like this one remind me of how Jesus' time on earth was completely and totally mission-based. He had purpose for His presence, and He was going to fulfill it. Certainly, Jesus did it to perfection, but it's a reminder to me that I also have a purpose. No one will ever minister 100% of the time, perfectly, with complete humility and focus, the way Jesus did. However, there should be a progression at work in my life, that I would become more and more like Jesus. My time is not my own. On the other hand, even if I am willing to serve tirelessly, all night, after serving others for a long stretch of time, I must seek to have alone time with God. In many other ways, too, God doesn't just want my obedience, He wants relationship with me. I want to serve Him, and do His work, but I also just want to be with Him.
P) Father, I am so blessed to have a relationship with You. I want very much, to do Your will, to work the good works You prepared for me. I want to be an obedient servant, and honor Your name. I also don't want to sin, Lord. Please, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from the evil one. At the same time, I also just want to be with You, Father. Help me to stay focused on You, and to keep my mind on the things above, and not the things here on earth, in front of my eyes. Help me to see and hear, what You are trying to reveal to me. Lead me to make time, devoted to You, just spending time in Your presence. Help me to pursue what You want me to pursue. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your kingdom come. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
