A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years…. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Mark 5:25-32 NIV
Comment
If Jesus lived on earth today, he would go everywhere by bicycle. I’m convinced of it. He never rushed around the way we do. Yes, he lived full-on. For three years he threw himself into preaching and healing, answering dozens of daily demands on his time. Somehow, though, he was never too busy. He said ‘no’ to some requests, and was never so intent on the next big thing that he overlooked the needy along the way. How did he manage it?
In spite of hectic days, Jesus spent regular extended times in prayer with his Father. Because of that relationship, he knew who he was and what was essential, so he could confidently say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in each situation. That kind of life is so attractive. In addition to my daily to-do list, perhaps I need a to-be list – a reminder to step aside and spend time with God, in order to remember who I am and get hints of his plans for me. I want to be moving purposefully but slowly enough so I don’t miss the secret treasures hidden in the heart of each day.
What would we like to put on our daily ‘to-be list’?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, give us grace as we race through busy days, to look with your eyes, listen with your ears and heart to the people we encounter. Help us to set aside regular times to be in your presence.
Prayer (for others)
Today we pray for ___________, who is often overlooked by others. Give us insight to know how to help them.
Quote
‘Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.’ Dallas Willard, quoted by John Ortberg in Soul Keeping
