Time to Step Back
Scripture – John 6:14-21: After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When the people saw the miraculous sign Jesus did, they formed an idea of who He was. Apparently, they became quite excited and were ready to rally around Him and let Him be their leader. I have the image of a football team trying to carry their coach off the field on their shoulders. It looks to me like Jesus realized their motivation wasn’t right and/or the timing wasn’t right. Maybe He was even tempted to let them do it. For whatever reason, He went off by Himself. I wonder what He did in that time alone. I suspect He spent a fair amount of time in prayer – keeping His mind and heart clear and open to God’s purpose for His life.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will spend some time alone today. I will seek God’s clarity for my life and mission. Sometimes I do get confused as to what’s really important.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please speak to me today. Keep me on track to follow you. There are many choices I face as to how to use my time and my life. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4,5)
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When the people saw the miraculous sign Jesus did, they formed an idea of who He was. Apparently, they became quite excited and were ready to rally around Him and let Him be their leader. I have the image of a football team trying to carry their coach off the field on their shoulders. It looks to me like Jesus realized their motivation wasn’t right and/or the timing wasn’t right. Maybe He was even tempted to let them do it. For whatever reason, He went off by Himself. I wonder what He did in that time alone. I suspect He spent a fair amount of time in prayer – keeping His mind and heart clear and open to God’s purpose for His life.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will spend some time alone today. I will seek God’s clarity for my life and mission. Sometimes I do get confused as to what’s really important.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please speak to me today. Keep me on track to follow you. There are many choices I face as to how to use my time and my life. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4,5)
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