From Determines To
Mark1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else–to the nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
There was such a great opportunity here to capitalize on the rising tide of enthusiasm that was already following Jesus. What great expectancy and acceptance awaited him back among the fawning followers that were seeking him out?
It’s interesting, though, that Jesus, having spent some quality personal time with His Father, knew his purpose had nothing to do with following the will of the people. To have been led by the whims and calls of those who were ‘looking for’ Him would have taken him away from his purpose instead of towards it. There would be times when He would know incredible popularity with thousands wanting to hang out with Him so badly they even forgot to bring a lunch. To have let this fame define Him, however, would have let who He really was and what He really was about become completely distorted. While His name and His words would become the most used and well known across the whole globe, seeking out how to make this happen would never drive Him in His day to day choices. The only direction He could go and the only vision He could fulfill would be the one acquired in His Father’s presence rather than in the presence of adoring fans. While it may have seemed a bit rude and though it may have been said that He made a strategic marketing blunder, Jesus was about His Father’s business alone, and in this case it was in a completely different direction than that of adoring fans.
There is direction for today and a fulfilled purpose to accomplish. Before the voices begin to call out, though, and before other forces start to press and pull and push, there is a solitary place we can go where the single voice of our Father will speak to us, revealing and reminding us of the way that is His way. In this quiet, secret place His still small voice will be audible, providing the knowledge of His will for our lives. The lure and attraction of popularity and fame will always lead to ultimate discouragement, disappointment and failure, while the way of God’s righteousness will be that of fulfilled purpose and a satisfied life. Though His way may lead through times of loneliness in the wilderness, it will never be without the provision and care of the One who knows exactly what we have need of and what will produce through us His perfect will.
Where Jesus was from determined where He went and what He did, and the inspiration for His forward vision came directly from His Father rather than any earthly considerations. The same resource of the Father’s presence and wisdom is available to any that will but steal away to Him today. Abiding there in Him will produce the confidence and boldness to take the steps and direction that may defy earthly reason and conventional wisdom, but will, without fail, take us to that perfect place where our heart of hearts will be more than fulfilled and cared for in Him.
