Connections that Count |March 03, 2021

Read 

Mark 1:32-38 

³²That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. ³⁵Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” ³⁸Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”  

Luke 5:15-16 

¹⁵Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. ¹⁶But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 

Reflect

• What do you notice about the context of both of these verses? What is the atmosphere and attitude of others toward the ministry of Jesus?  
• Why was the response to withdraw so critical to Jesus and perplexing to others?  
• Why did Jesus set the rhythm of very early morning? What did that pattern allow?  
• Re-read Mark 1:37-38. Meditate on the disciples’ exclamation and the response of Jesus. What do you think is going on here? What can you learn from this exchange? 

Apply 

On Monday and Tuesday, we looked at forming life giving rhythms of “resistance” and “embrace/presence” from Daniel. Jesus further demonstrates the pattern of daily prayer is critical for spiritual refreshment, discernment and connection with the Father. Spend a few minutes lifting up the activity, success and responsibility in your life. Pray with open hands and an open heart. Give yourself moments to pause to be aware of the Father’s presence. Notice the Lord nudging you to follow his lead rather than being swept away by activity.

Pray

Lord thank you for meeting with me in this moment. I lay before you all of my success, the expectations of others and the burdens which weigh on my heart. As I am still before you, give me your refreshment, your peace and your vision. I know I need to meet with you intentionally daily. Give me your grace for following you this day. Amen! 

Song

Phil Wickham – The Secret Place