“Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (1)
Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. We are to live our lives in response to this and like this. Jesus had His assignment to complete. Nothing short of that would do. If He decided not to, all of humanity would stand condemned to hell. He, the Father, and the Spirit united to accomplish this work.
Sometimes we don’t like the assignment the Lord gives us. But the only answer is: “Yes Lord, here am I.” The scripture is filled to overflowing with the times people responded this way to the Lord.
When we wake up in the morning, it’s yes, Lord, what do you have for me today? We wait longingly to hear from Him in that still quiet voice you recognize. Without a specific assignment, you can still head into your day expecting Him to reveal your work. Your assignment might be to show kindness, understanding, patience, and caring with the people you meet. Or it might be an evangelism appointment that emerges from comforting a stranger in the grocery store. You can make someone’s day better by a smile, courtesy, or not honking your horn when the car in front of you doesn’t jackrabbit start at the light. Or you can forgive out loud (yes, out loud) the person who just cut you off on the highway. The Lord gives you opportunities to love Him every day and keep focused on Him.
Jesus had longer days than most of us ever work, even if you put in 60 hours last week. The culture assaults our souls every day as the enemy tries to wear us down and make us weary of the battle. Yet Jesus had more people crowding him everywhere than we have subordinates asking questions or children demanding attention.
What was Jesus’ solution?
“Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (2)
Simple. So how much of your day or week has a time of rest? Probably not much. Maybe your devotion time? But do you set time apart just to enjoy the Savior’s company? Can you be still and quiet even if you’re not hearing His voice? Can you enjoy His company and commune with Him in silence? True, I find it easier to do this while hiking in the forest or sitting on top of a mountain or on a deserted beach listening to the rhythm of the waves. But it is the intentionality of finding a quiet place that I am speaking about.
There are so many instances of Jesus stealing away from his companions to pray with His Father. He separated himself from his closest companions to go up on the mountainside to pray.
“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” (3)
I understand how hard it is to find a quiet place without a cell phone, people or the sound of cars and leaf blowers. But try to find one. Then steal away with Him and spend some time together. You may not hear Him say a word, but His Spirit will minister to yours and I guarantee you’ll enjoy His company. There is healing and restoration, walking in the silence of a forest floor strewn with pine needles, among tall trees older than you, filled with birdsong. Let these places quiet your soul, cleanse you of the world, and minister to your heart.
All the disciples committed to be with Jesus. He wants to be with you. You get to have him 24/7 because He lives in you. Find Him. Allow Him to restore, refresh, and prepare you for the next assignment. The more you do this, the more you’ll realize how much you need and desire this communion. You were made for this.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Psalm 23:2-3 ESV
- John 5:19 ESV
- Mark 6:31 NASB
- Matthew 14:23 ESV
