MARK 1:35-45 I WILL While others were sleeping, the Lord Jesus was awake speaking with His father and experiencing the fellowship and blessing of a Man being in the presence of God. If a man gives God first place in his spirit, personal ambitions - even in his home, then he will have power for service outside. There is an order in this account of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ that we do well to follow. A solitary place where one is alone removes us from the distractions of a busy life. Included in this is a quiet time of day before "all men seek Thee."
Prayer, the attitude of fellowship and words expressed to a gracious God who knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart, is not some careless comments made in private, or flowing speeches made in public to be heard by others. It is real, personal expressions of communion, thankfulness and supplications to our Father. He knows, and we know, when that conversation has real meaning. It may be more effective for one to make many short, specific prayers when it relates to our life and work. Appreciation and gratitude to God for who He is may take more time as we count our blessings and speak to Him from the emotions of our hearts.
Preaching was next in order of priority to the Lord, and it should be to us as well. Instead of going back to the dark city of Capernaum where people were wanting to see more wonderful works done on their behalf, Jesus went to the little towns that are often overlooked, and preached the Gospel to the people in those places. Capernaum sat in darkness when He opened His ministry there one day. The prophecy was fulfilled, "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." Quickly as befits the character of the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel reaches all of the area of Galilee and is preached in the synagogues. The powers of darkness (demons) were cast out of many and the will of God was done.
Power to heal is in the hand of the Lord Jesus and was used after prayer and preaching to bring physical blessing to the people. Jesus came forth from the Father to bring first the blessing of salvation. This is the greatest need people have. He enforced the heralding forth of the Gospel and its power over sin by the healing of disease and casting out demons. His relationship with God is affirmed by the fact of the necessity of prayer. Then His relationship with man is declared in the preaching of the Gospel. His relationship to evil is demonstrated when He cast demons out and took authority over the power of darkness. Prayer comes first; then service and work in preaching; then dealing with evil. We should never change that order in our lives.
Mark's Gospel speaks of an incident that illustrates the "I will" of Jesus' life and service. Just after giving the Sermon of the Mount, a leper comes to Him testifying as to his faith in the Lord Jesus and appealing for the mercy and grace he needs. This cleansing of the leper gives a clear picture of the desire and willingness of the Lord Jesus Christ to respond to the needs of those who call upon His name. His compassion towards this segregated, untouchable man, reveals the will of God for all men. "He will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth."
The "I will" of the Lord to go to pray in fellowship with His Father teaches us the urgency needed in effectual prayer. He wanted to preach in the next towns; that "I will" in a sense that motivates us to take the Gospel to others. The "I will" of meeting the needs of the helpless and hopeless is also in our hands and we should never forget those who lie in darkness and need the light.
I wonder if people really know who had come into their midst. They could see the evidence of power that was uniquely His. But even though miracles were done in that day - He who knew the people, turned and went away.
Woes pronounced on Capernaum even though blessing had come, They took all that He gave but never in repentance called on His name. Other places were blessed as the Gospel message brought light. But that city where Jesus brought blessing never got repentance right.
I live in a city where blessing one time came to this place. The work of God for over 100 years I am able here to trace. Now there is hardness and all interest in the Gospel is gone. It may be soon when the testimony here is done.
There are other places where we hear of God blessing His Word. Other places where there was darkness, now the Gospel is heard. The "I will" of the Savior is not to some favored group - But is received with gladness when at His feet they too will stoop.
There is a great relief when we know God's Word in power Is being proclaimed and no doubt every hour Some are responding to the "I will" of the Lord. By prayer and preaching, blessings are being given all over the world.
"Father in heaven, this world seems such a sinful place and there is such an increase in people that I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the need that is around us. For this age and generation, I pray that You will have laborers in place in the harvest field to bring in the lost. I don't know many of the laborers, but I ask Thee now for them all -
please make them successful in seeing Thee work through them. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."