Jesus experiences an exciting and exhausting Saturday.
He enters the city of Capernaum, makes his way to the local synagogue, and begins teaching. (Mark 1:21-22)
He next intersects a man with an unclean spirit. The possessed man says a few words. Jesus says a few words, and the spiritual warfare is ended. Out of the man goes the unclean spirit. Out of the synagogue goes the cleansed man. And out into the city go the eyewitnesses of the event. The fame of Jesus spreads here, there, and everywhere. (Mark 1:21-28)
Jesus then travels to the house of Simon and Andrew, and there he meets Simon’s mother-in-law who is suffering a severe fever. Jesus takes her by the hand and heals her. (Mark 1:29-31)
This would be a sweet way to end the day, but the day is not yet through. As the sun sets, the townsfolk bring to Jesus all who are physically oppressed or demonically possessed. It must be quite the scene as Mark writes, “The whole city is gathered together at the door.” (Mark 1:32-34) There, throughout the evening, Jesus humbles demons, heals diseases, and shows himself to be Lord, Savior, Friend, and Gentle Healer.
What an exciting day! What an exhausting day! So much for Jesus’ sabbath day or “day of rest.”
Jesus expects an exciting and exhausting Sunday.
On this day, his disciples will come searching for him. (Mark 1:36)
On this day, he will hear from his disciples how everyone else is looking for him. The movement he started yesterday, it continues. (Mark 1:37)
And in a few hours, Jesus is going to hit the road, travel further throughout the towns and villages of Galilee, while he busies himself discipling, evangelizing, preaching, teaching, healing, and casting out demons. (Mark 1:38-39)
Again, what an exciting day! What an exhausting day!
So … what does Jesus do in the in-between-time?
Jesus keeps his divine appointment.
Mark writes, “And rising very early in the morning, while it is still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Before Jesus engages demons or neighbors, he communes with his Heavenly Father.
So … what about our divine appointment?
We know our mission. Throughout the day, we are to worship God truly by loving our neighbors deeply.
We know our enemies. The world, the devil, and the flesh are sure to trouble and tempt us today.
We know our weaknesses. We didn’t make it yesterday without committing a host of transgressions. What makes us think today will be any different?
We know our God. Our Heavenly Father awaits our morning meeting with delight, for he is eager to start our day with his gracious and encouraging words — a spiritual and fatherly hug of sorts. There too is our Betrothed Groom and his Promised Holy Spirit. And as we commune with these three Persons of the Godhead, they will prove eager to direct our thoughts on how today’s walk might best correspond with their divine will.
We know our model. If the sinless, perfect, and powerful Son of God found his daily morning appointment to be so pleasant and prosperous, surely as his disciples we should adopt his priorities and follow his practice that we might better experience and enjoy God’s presence, peace, perspective and power.
Therefore my friends, let’s look at our calendars and lock-down our appointment with God. Let’s pick the time and place and put it down “in ink.” Yes, let’s make, keep, and enjoy our appointment with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is waiting. Let’s not stand him up. He doesn’t need it, but he desires it. We need it. Do we desire it?
Unfathomable Grace 