“The Lord trusts those who trust Him.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 10, 2024
They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes… A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him…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. Mark 1:22, 27, 35
Jesus taught with authority. How? How did He teach differently from the scribes? The scribes taught in the third person, “The Lord says.” Jesus taught in the first person, “I say unto you.” Jesus Christ taught with authority because He was the Lord. The same One who spoke the earth into existence was the same One who spoke timeless truth with authority. Because Jesus was the Truth, His life illustrated all things good, true, and helpful. His listeners were amazed because they heard with their ears the Lord’s words and they saw with their eyes the Lord’s good deeds. Word of His love and authority spread across the town as all came and clamored to see Him.
Jesus Christ demonstrated the ideas He taught about with His actions. After teaching compassion, He would call out demons and heal those who were harassed and inflicted by pain. He taught about Himself as the Bread of Life who gave eternal life, and then He broke the bread from a little boy’s basket and fed 5,000, providing physical life. Jesus told the story of a despised Samaritan caring for one overcome and beaten by a bandit, and then Jesus would care for the sick and raise up the dying. Jesus’ life was impactful because He walked what He talked.
How could He sustain this level of energy to teach with such authority and clarity, followed by generous love and service to others? Prayer. Prayer sustained His soul and energized His body. “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.” Unhurried time with His heavenly Father gave Him the energy and love to be present and engaged with people. Jesus listened to His Father’s heart and then aligned His heart’s desires with His Father’s heart’s desires. Prayer is alignment with the Lord.
Early before the sun rises is the best time for the Son to rise and shine in your heart and mind. Consider going to bed thirty minutes earlier and waking up thirty minutes earlier. Solitary confinement with Christ reminds you that you are loved and never alone. Your private time with God empowers your public life and teaching with authority from the Holy Spirit. Authority comes from the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. A life that blesses others originates from a life God has first blessed in the quiet first fruits of the day. The Lord trusts those who trust Him. When the Holy Spirit ignites your plans, work, and relationships, your life is impactful for God.
Also, when your solitude with the Lord fuels your service for the Lord, people will see you have been with Jesus. As you serve like Jesus, you will see those you serve like Jesus…empathy for hearts who need healing…love for the fearful…patience with angry voices. The joy of the Lord is your strength when you serve in the power of the Holy Spirit impacting lives for Jesus. Prayer prepares you to speak and serve humbly for God. Privately invest quiet time with your heavenly Father in silence and solitude before publicly investing your generous love with impactful living.
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, infuse my life with your love and power so I can impactfully love and serve others through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What are three ways your life can grow more impactful in God’s desires for you?
Related Reading
Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:1-3; 1 Peter 2:12
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood: King Jesus
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