Restless Messiah
Dan Harper
August 03, 2024
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Mark 1: 35-39 (NRSVA)
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ 38 He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
As a child I physically knew that holiday was coming. It could have been simply in-service days from school, or a family trip to a caravan park 30 miles away, but the anticipation had my feet dancing.
I was impatient for the adventure to start. It wasn’t that I disliked school, but adventures into the wilds of home, or somewhere known or new, were always preferred. I was almost physically itching to go, and I’m honestly still the same now.
In our reading we hear of Jesus going to pray, and telling his disciples that it was time to move. He goes to somewhere quiet and utters prayers of preparation. And when he is found, he is ready, the anticipation and waiting has got too much, and he must go and do what he is here to do. And then they are off. Jesus and the disciples head off into the near villages and towns preaching and driving out demons.
So, what now?
When your favourite tune comes on the radio all you can do is dance. When you are waiting to go on holiday you itch with excitement. When you need to do anything it is very common to feel a physical reaction to this in your body. And that sense of needing to do what he had to do is palpable in Jesus’ words and actions.
This isn’t about change, although change can often be the result of doing what you are called to do. This isn’t about upheaval, but there is often fallout from being on the journey with Christ.
So, what now?
When you think about your own encounters with church, what makes you restless to the point of doing something new?
When you think about your own journey with Christ, what excites you to the point that you are sharing and showing what that means?
When you are journeying with Christ, and wondering “what now?” Let your jiggling feet continue dancing the steps of discipleship as you go on the adventure.
Prayer:
God,
Be my choreographer as I dance the steps of discipleship with you.
Amen
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