July 12, 2024

Alone

Daily Devotional2 Minutes

“He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.”—Mark 3:13 NASB

It was an important time in Jesus’ ministry. Multitudes followed Him. Many were healed. Others were delivered from unclean spirits.

In this busy time, Jesus was conscious of His need for solitude. After this, He selected a special group to be His primary disciples. These were matters that required discernment and clarity. Here, for the first time in Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus going to a mountain, where He could make important decisions.

Jesus would return to the mountains on many occasions. We see how these mountains were special places where He could be alone with the Father. It was on a high mountain that Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:2). And it was on the Mount of Olives where Jesus delivered an important message just before His ascension.

Jesus also used mountains as analogies to convey spiritual truths. Illustrating the principle of faith, Jesus said that if you speak to a mountain, believing and without doubt that it will move, “It will be granted [you]” (Mark 11:23).

Mountains can be symbolic places for the followers of Jesus. These represent places of pilgrimage, places dedicated to prayer and study, and places where we can be more sensitive to God’s presence.

Look for opportunities to spend time with God, freed from distractions. Pray, study, seek His help for the decisions you must make, and spend time alone with Him.

Reflection Question: How can you make room in your schedule for time with your Father?

Prayer
Father, I commit these needs to You: ______. Speak to me. Teach me. Guide me. Give me a greater sensitivity to Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Mark 3


Prayer
Father, I commit these needs to You: ______. Speak to me. Teach me. Guide me. Give me a greater sensitivity to Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Mark 3