“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
This morning I awoke early enough to go to a local civic meeting of friends. They (we if I’m up) meet every Monday morning to discuss local politics, community issues, and business. It isn’t a closed meeting so anyone can come. Every so often we have new people wander in off the street to join us – and this morning was no different. As we heard different reports from agency heads in the community and our discussion got a bit livelier it seemed to antagonize the new ones. They wanted to express their thoughts and opinions, too – quite openly, frequently, and verbosely. As they droned on and on about seemingly nothing, I started to wish I was still back home in my warm bed. That’s when this verse popped into my mind. Jesus, I get it.
He had just participated in the great draught of fish, followed by the healing of a man with leprosy. The disciples and followers were, no doubt, at fever pitch about the miracles Jesus was performing. Even today anywhere miracles are being performed by the power of the Spirit there is excitement. Excitement about the turning of circumstances that were formerly beyond human control, excitement about the possibilities now available, excitement that God is still active and cares about our lives, but also excitement eventually turns to the one through whom God worked. And in this Bible passage, that is exactly when Jesus chose to slip off to a deserted place to be alone and pray.
It is very easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment – and we should, to an extent. We need to celebrate and rejoice that God is here and that He cares, we need to celebrate with the newly-healed or newly-blessed – to rejoice with those who rejoice, and yes we need to celebrate God Who performed this miracle. But as pastors and leaders within the Body of Christ we need to temper that celebration time and to avoid getting caught up to the point we begin to accept accolades for being the conduit through whom God acted. Celebrate God and His power – yes, celebrate me because He chose to use me – um, no.
Jesus didn’t make a big deal out of His departure – didn’t make a big anouncement when or where His next meeting would be, He didn’t excuse Himself publicly by saying He had a donkey to catch – He just quietly exited, leaving the crowds to rejoice. Oh how I need to learn this lesson! God WILL NOT share His glory with another, He will not just be the Headliner and I His assistant. He Is All. It’s all about Him. I have often joked about the time I sang a special solo at church. I was pitch-perfect, on-point, and my performance was spotless and clean. As I came down off the altar (or platform) and approached my chair I nearly wrenched my shoulder out of socket patting myself on the back. People were congratulating me, shaking my hand, telling me how anointed my song was, etc. I felt like Pavarotti after he performed at the Metropolitan Opera. My mind had long-since gone into overdrive, picturing CD’s and live performances worldwide, throngs of people desperately reaching out to me, fan mail – oh I had it going on in my head! But God, who is rich in mercy, allowed me my fantasies for the moment. BUT. A few weeks later I sang another solo at the same church before the same people, and boy was it different! I choked on the lyrics, my voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard, and I couldn’t wait to escape to my chair afterwards. No “good job”s, no “that was anointed”s, no handshakes, no anything. God had made His point.
Now I will gladly brag on others and toot their horns, but God has slowly taught me that all the glory I receive from others is to be directed straight to Him because He gave me the ability, the opportunity, and the courage to do whatever wherever in His Name. One of my goals is to build up the saints, to encourage those doing the work of God, to help them in any way I can. BUT, I am not to build my own kingdom or following – I am to build up the Kingdom of God.
I appreciate my home and my office. It is peaceful here. I come in here to sit and read, to pray, to just enjoy the silence and allow God to speak to me. Sometimes there is music playing in the background, other times it is stone-cold quiet. Here I can get away from the crowds of everyday people, I can escape the noise and clatter of the outside world, and here I can lay down whatever accolades I may have received at the feet of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today my friend, I encourage you (as I have frequently in the past) to find or establish a quiet place, a closet (as it is called in scripture) to get alone with God. Maybe you just want to come here to rest, to have a cup of coffee, to relax. That’s ok, too. We know Jesus wept, but did you know He also slept? YES! Jesus grew weary just like we do. But in His wisdom He knew when it was time to get away and refresh. So I urge you today. The kids are at school, your spouse may be at work. The television is off. All is peaceful. Turn off this computer (or iPad, or phone) and give your spirit a rest. Lay down the burden of prayer requests and known needs of which you are aware, but also lay down the burden of carrying all those trophies and awards at the feet of Jesus. Rest, my dear friend. Find rest in Him.
Be blessed.
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