May 30
Mark 1:35-39
My husband gets up at 3:30 a.m. every morning to go to work. Even though he has been doing this for a couple of years now, every day is a struggle. It is not an easy task to get out of bed while it’s still pitch black outside. Have you ever heard anyone say ‘My alarm goes off at an ungodly hour!’? I’m even guilty of saying something like that. Oops….according to these verses it’s a very Godly hour! It says that Jesus got up very early in the morning, while it was still dark. And what did He do? He prayed. Why? Well, Isaiah 50 prophetically speaks of the Lord’s obedient servant (Jesus). Verse 4a says “Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” (NLT) As children, a lot of us were taught to say our nighttime prayers. Nighttime prayers are great, but if we are following Jesus’ example, we need to be praying before our day begins. God reveals His will for us through prayer. How are we supposed to be living in His will when we aren’t even talking to Him about it? Maybe that seems like a no brainer, but is prayer really the first thing you think of when you wake up? Or is it more like “10 more minutes….ugh I don’t want to go to work….where do I have to drive the kids today….what am I gonna wear….COFFEE!!” The bible doesn’t say Jesus got up, skimmed the New York Times, drank a mocha latte, and then went off to pray. So, here is our challenge. Tomorrow when you wake up don’t do anything until you have had a conversation with God. What’s the worst that could happen…..God reveals something great to you, and you become a little more like Jesus? I could risk a caffeine headache for that!
Principle: Prayer before and after service keeps one in the will of God.
Application:
1. Do I spend time with the Lord before starting my day?
2. What will I do to share in Jesus’ ministry by sharing the gospel with another person?
3. What does the way I use my time each day indicate about where my heart is?
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I'm reading from the NKJV to have a slightly different perspective of this book, and this version uses the term "searched." Jesus was sought out by his disciples. Maybe other versions use this word too, but it stood out to me today.
ReplyDeleteI have believed for a very long time that spending time with Jesus in the morning is important, and for years, I have acted on this belief. BUT lately--I'd say for almost a year now--this time has become more of a routine than a time to seek Jesus.
I've felt this to be an issue. I'm still "with" God. I read a chapter of another book and offer a few thoughts to God--a little praise, a little so-and-so needs this, and a little I could use this. A few times in the last year, I've went to my face on the floor in a posture of humility and reference and have taken the time to seek God, but mostly, I think I've done what I thought needed to be done. I've checked "Morning 'Quiet Time'" off the list and gone on with my day.
This has not always been the case. In fact, last night I was thinking about the mornings I spent in high school and college seeking Jesus, and this morning,I determined that I would seek Him. In fact, even before I read the passage, I began to pray and confess my feelings.
I want a deep intimate relationship with Jesus. I don't want routine. I know that sometimes routine is good. I have a habit that's good, but I want more than a habit. I want to seek Jesus. I want to know Him, to speak with Him, to demonstrate my love for Him. This lesson was so incredibly timely for me. . .seek Him, Andrea, seek Him even if it costs you sleep.
This also spoke to me. I am wanting a closer relationship with Christ and it begins first thing of the day. Not after I get ready if I have extra time or while driving to work. What stood out to me was that Jesus went to a solitary place. He removed Himself for the things and worries of the world. Beginning tomorrow I will start my day with Jesus and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteJesus was always where His Father wanted him to be, and not where the disciples thought he should be. Here he is alone with the Father instead of taking care of all the people who are looking for him. I often struggle with where I feel God wants me to be vs. where someone in my church thinks I should be. The bottom line: if I am not spending time away from the crowds in the presence of my Father, I will not have His annointing on my ministry. Jesus later said, "I only say what I hear my father saying. I only do what I see my Father doing." That's why beginning the day with God is so important.
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