Solitude for Guidance

As the Sabbath Sun settled in the West. As an orange ribbon stretched across the edge of the earth, strange sounds echoed through the narrow streets of Capernaum. 

Thumps, coughs, and shuffles stilled the cricket’s song. Distorted voices, clicking canes, and game legs joined in a chorus of dysfunction on the cobble walkways. Pale faces, scaling skin, and withered hands served as a reminder of nature’s cruel humor. Some quick, some slow, but all bodies moved with determination toward the same location - Peter’s house. 

The original cast of the Night of the Living Dead dreamed of ending the nightmare through the hands of the Healer.

The entire city gathered at the entrance to Peter’s. 

The procession extended around street bends, up staircases, through other houses, wherever a vacant waiting spot existed. And the wait would be long. 

Jesus personally touched Peter’s mother-in-law to heal her, and He would touch those in this street He would heal. Yes, He could have spoken a word, or waved His hand and every imperfection would have scattered, but He didn’t. 

He took His time with each set of circumstances. Perhaps He spoke their name, or gave a wink, or provided an assuring word, or shared a hug.  Whatever Jesus did, each person knew they held His full attention.

How many of the physically, mentally, and spiritually destitute filled the avenue? Twenty-five? Sixty? Three hundred? A thousand? How many hours does it take to heal the sick of a town? Two? Five? Eight? 

How late would you sleep the next day if this had been you? Noon?

Think back to your most exhausting day. Call to mind the day you barely made it to the bed without greeting the floor with your face. Remember the time when your eyelids felt like anchors. Let that sick for sleep feeling roll over you, and maybe you’ve got an inkling of the Christ’s condition when His frame met the mat. 

Which might make the next scene even more amazing than His miracles.

“Now in the morning, a long time while before daylight, Jesus rose, left the house and went off to a solitary place, there He prayed.” - Mark 1:35

Morning...

a long while before daylight...

a solitary place...

there, He prayed.

Four a.m.  Sheep lie in the pastures, counting each other as they dream.  Cats and dogs rest before another day of fighting.  Roosters have yet to gather their sunrise speeches.  

Galilee sleeps as the Galilean thinks.

Even with the tiring events of the previous night, Jesus stirred. Who would blame Him for sleeping in? He deserved to lull away a few hours. But unable to sleep, Jesus left the guestroom of Peter's and struck out for an isolated spot…in the dark. 

Through the front door, down main street, and out of town. He climbed a nearby hillside overlooking the city. He's alone. Finally. 

From the selected spot, a faint glow can be spotted in the windows of other early-morning tossers.  It's quiet there, far removed from the distractions.  It's a good place to pray.  A good place to get away. A very good place.

Away from the crowds and their pressing, the Son leaned against His Father. 

Away from the disciples and their digressing, Christ focused on His purpose. 

Away from the Pharisees and their depressing, the Teacher drew encouragement from heaven.

Before going forward, He went away.

In this first episode of Christ Conscious Practices, we dive into this scene and the practice of Solitude for Guidance. 

• What Jesus’ practice looked like

• The concern it sparked

• His unusual response

• A friend’s sabbatical guidance

• My guidance practice

Watch Here

3 Love Lessons from Lenny Kravitz

A couple of weeks ago, Marla, Roxie (my sister), and I saw Leny Kravitz in concert. The performance was amazing, but the lessons he taught throughout the night were even better! 

1) Amplify Love

2) Change Your World

3) Downloads from Above

If you want to hear more about those, watch this quick segment.

QUESTion

What guidance have you received and acted on recently?

Blessings!

Paul

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