Mark 1:35-39
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
It’s common at this point to observe the importance of prayer in Jesus’ ministry. And that’s both undeniably true and undeniably important. After a tremendous – and undoubtedly tiring – success, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to pray, to enter into communion with the One who sent him, to seek guidance and encouragement and support. And it is valuable to see in that an example for all of us.
But notice also the result of this retreat. When the disciples find Jesus, there is, I think, just the slightest note of reproach: “everyone is searching for you” – as in, “where did you go…and why?” After all, they were enjoying phenomenal success. Should they not build on that success, perhaps even make this community their headquarters, the first beachhead of the campaign to announce and build the coming kingdom of God?
Interestingly, Jesus does not respond to either the statement or its implied question or reproach. Rather, he clarifies his mission. He is the not meant to stay in any one place, not destined to be a local leader. It is, therefore, time to move on, to leave behind this success in order to spread the news of God’s grace as wide and far as possible.
Is this what he discovered – or was reminded of – in his brief time of solitude and prayer? Did he go to give thanks for the success of the day and nourishment to continue but was bid to move forward? Is the same Spirit that named him and then drove him into the wilderness once again propelling him forward into a ministry, mission, and even destiny that is always larger and more ambitious than we or his companions (or maybe even he?) can imagine?
So I think Jesus does offer an example here – of prayer and obedience for sure, but also of what can happen when you open yourself to the restless and unpredictable Spirit of the living God. No wonder we’re cautious about following this example!
Prayer: Dear God, make us attentive to the Spirit that calls, names, commissions, and sends, that we may also be emissaries of your grace, mercy, and loving kindness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Recent Comments