The King Remains Focused. Mark 1:35-39.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, And they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out. And he went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Dear Ambassadors of the King of Kings,
Anyone who has a mission must be constantly alert to distractions and diversions. People began very early in Jesus’ ministry to try and influence the course of his mission.
Essence (v. 35). Jesus knew where the power and ability to accomplish his mission came from – prayer. Despite having a late night the night before, Jesus rose early and found a lonely place, where he prayed. As tired as he was, he could not postpone prayer. Until we learn that prayer is essential for the success of God’s mission, we will keep failing and underperforming.
Expectations (vv. 36–37). When the people finally woke up, they started looking for Jesus. When Simon and his companions found him, they announced to Jesus that he was in much demand. They already had their agenda and programme for him – probably more people to heal, among other things.
Excursions (vv. 38-39). But Jesus’ mission was much bigger than the town of Capernaum. He took charge of the situation by announcing that he must go and preach in other towns as well. Staying too long in Capernaum or any other town would have slowed his pace. Not all good things must be kept going. At times we have to end them so that we can get to better and bigger things. What Jesus had done in Capernaum he replicated throughout Galilee. The mission was underway.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.