Surprised by Solitude

Scripture:

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

(Mark 1:35–39 NRSV)

Observation:

Jesus got up early in the morning so that he could find a place of solitude where he could pray. Only three times in his gospel does Mark refer to Jesus praying. This is a significant moment at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. This was the day after the hearts of the people had been stirred by the miracles that he had performed. Simon Peter must have been energized by witnessing the healing of his mother-in-law and was ready to keep moving and showing the world how powerful Jesus was! 

We can only imagine how concerned Peter was when he awaken to discover that Jesus was gone. Whether everyone was searching for Jesus, or just Peter was overly concerned, we don’t know. He probably awakened others and they set out to find Jesus. When they did find him, they expressed their concern and shared, “Everyone is searching for you.” At the same time, the author wants us to see that prayer is a priority in the life of Jesus. While examples are only given again in the middle and then at the end of Jesus’ ministry, the insinuation is that this is a regular practice on the part of Jesus. He will not be driven onward by popularity, but only by direction from the Father. Jesus did not come to be a popular miracle-worker, but to be the savior of the world. He understood his mission and that would require solitude and prayer. 

Application:

Just as Jesus needed solitude, so do we. We will be surprised by solitude because it will help to clear our minds, get in touch with God and be prepared for the next phase of life, or the mission. Unless we turn off the noise of this world, we will never be able to hear the voice of God. 

Solitude means that we turn off the music. We turn off the podcast, or the live-stream of a good worship service. We lay aside our smart-phone, and learn to listen. Prayer is not about us constantly talking to God, but is much more about us listening to God. In quiet and solitude we become shaped and formed by God. We are surprised by solitude because it ends in koinonia (fellowship) with the Triune God. We begin to hear and comprehend the invitation to come and participate in the holy love which is only found in relationship with God. In solitude we are changed forever. 

We know that we don’t remain in solitude. Jesus made the time to be alone and this surprised Peter. One can only imagine that later in life Peter imitated this practice day after day as he became the leader of the church. The more that he came to know Christ, the more he became like Christ. No longer would this time of prayer and solitude surprise Peter, but it would sustain Peter. 

The call to follow Jesus is one that takes us to places of solitude, but these are only places of preparation for the mission. Jesus may surprise Peter by solitude, but when he has finished his time alone in prayer, he is ready to continue the mission. 

We must never forget that we desperately need our times of solitude. When we find them, we will be surprised.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for times of solitude. May I take those opportunities to hear your voice and be shaped by your holy presence. Amen.