“That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ And he said to them, ‘let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons (Mark 1:32-39 ESV).”
The “whole city” shows up at the door of Peter’s home—an endless line of the sick and oppressed. Jesus heals and cleanses them, but apparently not all of them. Because the next morning “everyone is looking” for Jesus. Yet as they draw near to Jesus, Jesus retreats from them. Jesus stops giving so that he might start receiving. Jesus prays.
There are times when the spiritual life must be about receptivity, not activity. Prayer makes this possible. There are times when prayer is more about getting rather than giving. How is the balance between receptivity and activity in your spiritual life? Spend a few quiet moments right now to receive something from the Father in prayer. Especially as you think about Highland’s future, ask for the Father to give you his visions and his dreams.
