Day 47

Leviticus 1:1–3:17; Mark 1:29–2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18

AS WE BEGAN the book of Leviticus today, we picked up generally where we left off in Exodus. In the coming days, we will spend some time witnessing the giving and implementation of the law. If we pay attention, we’ll see the larger theme: God wanted to be known. He was going to the trouble to weave this truth into the bedrock of the new culture of the children of Israel. He wanted fellowship, but the path to such intimacy would come through holiness. Before we check out on such a religious word, let’s remind ourselves that holiness means to be set apart and wholly devoted to God.* Holiness is no less a fundamental and relevant pursuit today than it was among the ancient Hebrews.

In Mark’s Gospel today, the disciples told Jesus, “Everyone is looking for you” (Mark 1:37). It was morning and a crowd was already gathering, but Jesus was missing. He’d gone to a secluded place to be alone with the Father.

“We must go on to other towns as well,” He said in response. “I will preach to them, too. That is why I came” (Mark 1:38). In other words, “It’s time to leave.”

Why would Jesus leave an awaiting crowd to travel somewhere else, in order to do the same thing He was already doing? How did He know it was time to go elsewhere? Good was going to come wherever He went. It would be more efficient just to stay in the same place and let the people come to him. But somehow, Jesus knew. And the how is revealed in what He was doing —withdrawing to a hidden place to be with the Father.

Intimacy with God is unlike any other intimacy, because it encompasses everything. It is a part of all that we are. And Jesus knew when to withdraw to be alone. Let us follow this example. Perhaps it’s time to leave some of the things that have chained us and move on into new seasons.

PRAYER:

O LORD, you know all about this. Do not stay silent. Do not abandon me now, O Lord. Wake up! Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord.