READING: Matthew 4:23-25, 8:14-17; Mark 1:21-39; Luke 4:31-44
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark. . .”
John 3-5
Today my heart is under conviction a bit. I am grateful for the privilege of prayer, and I think I’m continuing to grow in that discipline. Still, I’m challenged by these words from the Gospel of Mark:
When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. (Mark 1:32-35)
We do not know for certain that the summary of v. 34 leads directly into verse 35, but if so, the night before had been a busy night for Jesus. The hyperbole (“the whole town”) is intentional to show us how large the crowd was. Jesus spent the evening healing the sick and casting out demons as the crowd just continued to bring people to Him. Surely He was weary when the night came to close.
Still, He arose “very early in the morning” (likely during the last watch of the night from 3am-6am) to pray. His time with the Father meant so much to Him that He found time to get alone with Him when others were still sleeping. Even His own sleep apparently mattered less than being with the Father.
That’s why I’m a bit challenged today.
ACTION STEPS:
- At least consider if you need to give more alone time to Jesus, even if it costs you some sleep.
- Please pray for me as I consider the same question.
PRAYER: “Lord, show me the best way to find more time with You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 3-5