Jesus prioritized time with His Father early in the morning to prepare for the day’s assignments. If we are to follow His example, we must carve out intentional time for spiritual growth.
Mark 1:35-39
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 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.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Jesus’ Practice (Mark 1:35)
- Jesus’ day was a constant barrage of endless needs and exhausting people.
- The only way that Jesus could create margin to be with the Father is if He woke up earlier than everyone else.
- Jesus could discover God’s plan before the day started by removing Himself from distractions.
Others’ Expectations (Mark 1:36-38)
- We are more inclined to build a crowd for God than nurture a relationship with God.
- Jesus understood the difference between the urgent and the important.
- Jesus refused to allow other people’s agendas to deter Him from His Father’s plans.
Our Application (Mark 1:39)
- If Jesus was this diligent to spend time with the Father, how dependent of that time should we be?
- Before the day begins, nobody wants you but Jesus.
- The quality time you spend with Jesus is directly related to the intentional time you spend with others.
How will you get started? If you don’t have a Bible reading plan, join our church as we study together through the Scriptures.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
