It was a “hit the ground running” kind of day today. This kind of productive and noisy day is not quite as conducive to the kind of reflection time that maybe I’ve become accustomed to? Or maybe I prefer? However, it really puts me in mind of Jesus’ ministry.
Yes there were many times in scripture that Jesus went away to quiet place. Maybe early in the morning. He modeled getting away and having time to pray, time to relax and be refreshed.
He also modeled serving tirelessly. Consider Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus a crowd was following Him and He made the most of a “teachable moment” by having them sit and listen to what would be like a major conference today. It was called the Sermon on the Mount. No fancy hotels and limousines to bring Jesus to this engagement. No green room. No bottles of His favorite sparkling water or warmed towels with which to freshen up.
Following this (Matthew 8) He came down the mountain, entered into Capernaum, where His buddy Peter lived, probably hoping to relax and have some dinner. But before He could chill, He was stopped by a man with leprosy (whom He healed). Next up, a VIP Roman soldier whose servant was very ill, convinced Jesus to meet this need right then and there.
Side note: This is a good example of Jesus’ character. Why would even a nice guy who was tired, hungry, and almost “home” stop and listen to his political enemy and care enough to heal an unknown servant just because he was asked to?
Finally Jesus reaches Peter’s place only to find out the cook (a.k.a.Peter’s MIL) is sick! Jesus to the rescue. The crowds find Him which lead to much more healing. Eventually Jesus tells the boys to get the boat ready they are taking off. Whew…
Unfortunately, when the boat gets going a storm blows in, freaking the boys out, so Jesus handles that situation only to land on the other side of the lake, welcomed by a whole legion (a.k.a. slew) of demons who ended up in suicidal pigs.
My lesson for today is that busy isn’t an excuse for not caring, not serving, not helping others, not praying, not being a vessel for God’s use. Some days we have an opportunity to follow Christ, while our feet and hands are in motion.