”Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.“ Mark 1:35-39 NLT
Mark’s gospel makes it clear, Jesus gets right to work! Yet, the small little details, even in Mark’s mission driven book, are critical for the reader to understand the rhythms of God on earth.
“Early,” the NLT translates the idea to “before,” daylight, the urgency, the priority before working is meeting with God. The morning rush is to get with God, and Jesus does so – alone, in a “erémos” desolate place. No crowds, friends or family, we find that Jesus loves the desert spots of Israel!
When his disciples came looking for him, because the crowds would also be looking for him, Jesus’ response – we gotta go. Then Jesus drops his directive – this is why. Why what? See the flow of Jesus here. “We must go because this is why I have “exerchomai,” come out. This is why I left heaven to come to earth. Let’s get going!”
The other detail that Mark drives home is not just the priority of meeting with God, the urgency of mission, but also the people who would be FIRST to hear, first to receive the good news – the Jewish people. Mark writes, Jesus “kérussó,” preached, herald, announced… where? In synagogues, the assemblies, congregations of Jewish faithfuls. To the Jew first, then the Gentiles (non Jews).
Even in the fast moving, get to work and get the message of fulfillment and hope out, Mark again reminds us – the enemy is also at work, trying to thwart the work of God. Mark writes, even as Jesus preached he also was “casting out demons,” even in the sacred gathering of saints!
Prayer
Dad,
This really puts a perspective on my day. I get up each morning and think about my day. What do I have to get done, who do I have to call, and in my mind I go through my ToDo’s to get them ToDone! I read Mark’s gospel and immediately realize you are always at work! It reminds me to meet with you first. It helps me put you and your Kingdom mission first. So as I “get to work today,” I want it to be mission driven as well. Lead me by your Spirit. Bring about the supernatural, divine appointments. Help me recognize you and also a spiritual awareness that interruptions are providence not accidents. Help me with my faith to see, believe and engage with people because of your love for us. Amen.