November 29, 2021 | Luke 5
Read Luke 5
Scripture- Luke 5:15-16- 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Observations- Jesus had just healed a man who had a disease called leprosy. It was a very contagious disease that ate away at the skin of the individual. It was so contagious that if you had leprosy, you had to quarantine for the rest of your life. Who knows the last time this man felt human contact. Eventually, this man would have died in solitude from the disease. But then Jesus healed him! The man was so filled with joy that he spread the news of Jesus. Jesus’ popularity was growing like crazy. Crowds of people came to hear him and be healed. Yet, even during the heights of popularity, Jesus oftentimes withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Application- At times, I’m very good at withdrawing to lonely places and praying. When I need guidance, when I’m worried, when I’m stressed, when I’m sick, and when my heart is breaking, these are times I pray a lot. If I’m honest though, I struggle to withdraw to lonely places and pray when my life is going well. Jesus knew the importance of finding that lonely place to pray to his Father even when he was the most popular guy in Israel. People’s opinions change, circumstances change, but God’s love and admiration for us never do. No matter if life is great or if life is a struggle, I want to find that lonely quiet place where I can pray and connect with my Father in heaven. It is from him that strength, peace, and comfort come from.
Prayer- Father in heaven, my relationship with you is the most important thing in my life. I’m sad to admit that when things are going well in my life, I tend to talk to you less. Thank you to Jesus who fulfilled even this for me. Help me to establish a time and a place where I go every day to just be with you. Let that place be a quiet place where it is just you and me connecting through your Word and prayer. Send your Spirit to help me make that time part of my daily routine. Amen.