As you review your calendar, you may have a number of meetings in a day – clients, customers, supervisors, and especially loved ones. We see an example of Jesus’ most important meeting of the day as he interacted with His disciples. Jesus was gaining popularity and many people wanted to meet with Him.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was. (Mark 1:32-34)

Jesus had cast out a demon in the Synagogue and a large crowd came to Him for deliverance, many people wanted to meet with Him. What was His response to this situation?

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. (Mark 1:35)

After a busy day of ministry Jesus got up early the next morning to gain His Father’s direction for His ministry. It seems that it is at those times when we’re most successful that we need to step back and gain God’s direction. The disciples however had a different idea what He should do,

Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons. (Mark 1:36-39)

The common sense approach may indicate a certain course of action but that is not always the best way to go. When the metrics are going up and to the right we naturally want to maintain the momentum. Jesus however, was gaining the direction of His ministry from God. Common sense is a gift that God gives to our human nature — but the leading of His Spirit may not always make sense from a human perspective. We must be careful to never put our common sense on the throne but rather we must gain our direction from God.

Seneca wisely observed, “When a man does not know what harbor he is heading for then no wind is the right one.” Are you seeking direction for your next step? Invest time with God and set your sails to catch the direction of His Spirit.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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