Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, January 5, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: We can follow Jesus’ lead to take time away to pray, recharge, and spend time with God.
The gospel of Mark is told with a sense of urgency. Events tripped all over each other, as Jesus’ ministry flew into high gear. First, Jesus encountered an unclean spirit, which recognized him. Immediately Jesus became aware that the spirits knew him, and he commanded them to remain silent, lest the world discover his identity too soon.
After cleansing the man of his unclean spirit, he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. (Did you notice Peter was married? It’s not generally mentioned, but Jesus’ arrival would have taken him from his family—more people than the 12 were affected by Jesus’ ministry.) Word spread fast, and soon he was healing and casting out demons from people all over the countryside.
Then Jesus rested. He went out to pray—to recharge and be still.
But it didn’t last long. Soon his disciples were on him once again, and he healed a man with leprosy. This time word about Jesus could not be contained. The man talked, and Jesus had to retreat to the countryside to find some peace.
Jesus’ ministry in Mark was a whirlwind of activity—an explosion of fame and rumor. But even in the middle of it, Jesus withdrew to pray. Jesus knew he could not continue at this pace without that time and attention to God.
Why do we think we can do more with less? Jesus needed to recharge, and he needed to connect with God. We need at least as much.
What might it look like if we took the time to recharge and spend some time alone with God?
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