Pastor's Letter

February 5, 2012

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Jesus certainly had a full day. With his first four chosen disciples in tow, he went into the synagogue and not only taught but cast out an unclean spirit. He next slipped away and healed Simon’s mother‐in‐law. Then, as soon as sunset marked the end of the Sabbath, a horde of people crowded around the doorstep begging Jesus to heal and deliver them. He extended himself to the whole crowd, touching each person with the power of God. Surely this exhausting ministry lasted beyond a normal bedtime. We could certainly understand if Jesus burrowed under the covers the next morning. Instead, Mark tells us that Jesus rose in the wee hours and headed out to a deserted spot to spend time with his Father. Instead of assuming he knew what God wanted and how to accomplish it, he stopped and listened for God’s guidance. Out of that profound communion emerged clarity about his next step: It was time to preach in other villages. That’s the way it was with the Lord: never a dull moment! Jesus was constantly on the move. Even his prayer was dynamic. He didn’t get up early just to enjoy a good sunrise and recite a few prayers. No, he was asking, seeking, and knocking. He was determined to discover his Father’s plan, and he was ready to make any adjustments he needed in order to stick to that plan.

Make no mistake. Jesus was active, not just busy. Like a runner crouched at the starting block, his prayer was one of active waiting, not passive wandering. That’s what God wants for us as well. There’s a kingdom to be built. There are people to evangelize and ministries to advance. The hungry needed feeding, the wounded need comfort, and the confused need direction. What part does God want you to play? Seek him in prayer, and you’ll find out. “Here I am, Lord! Show me what you want me to do today. I want to be your servant!”

Taken from “The Word Among Us”.