Solitude and Service
I have always enjoyed spending time alone. Whether in deep devotion giving thanks to my Heavenly Father, or on a morning walk with a heart full of memories of my loved ones, solitary moments like these have always been life-giving and God-centering for me. Naturally, one would think that this time of self-isolation and social distancing would be an introvert’s dream. While I have benefited greatly from God’s insights and guidance during this time with Him, He has also graciously allowed me to see that I do plenty of self-isolation and social distancing without the reality of a global pandemic.
How often am I surrounded by people and yet I might as well be miles away? How often have I let a word of encouragement go unsaid? How often have I stood motionless, not allowing the warmth of a healing touch to ever leave my hands? Unfortunately, plenty of times. Too many to count.
Two Miracle Stories
God recently drew my attention to the gospel of Matthew. As I read chapter 14, He began to open my eyes and instruct my heart to consider Jesus’s demeanor. Following the death of John the Baptist, we pick up the passage in verse 13.
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14:13–27
In both accounts, Jesus went to a solitary place to seek solace and encouragement from God. Could He have a moment to mourn the death of His cousin John the Baptist who had just been killed? But each time He was interrupted by the needs and cries of others.
Jesus the Compassionate
Out of compassion, He came back to the crowds to heal the sick and minister to the needy. Even when his disciples had had enough and wanted to turn them away, Jesus continued to care for them and wouldn’t let them go away hungry. After a long day of ministering to and feeding over 5000 people, Jesus sends His disciples in a boat to the other side of the sea. He retires again to be alone. A strong wind arises and begins to batter the boat. Aware of their struggle, Jesus again leaves his place of solitude to return to His disciples by walking on the water to reach them.
Jesus made a priority of spending time alone with God. The gospels reveal Him doing so often. But Jesus also made it a priority to be present with people. Can you think of a gospel record where Jesus wasn’t fully engaged? Even on the cross after being brutally beaten, mocked, and betrayed, He was engaged to His last breath. For the soldiers nailing His hands to the cross He prayed, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” To His mother concerning the disciple standing with her He said, “Behold your son!” Likewise to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” When the criminal next to Him asked for help He assured him, “Truly you will be with me in paradise.” And finally realizing his work was done He cried, “It is finished!” Even in extreme misery Jesus was fully engaged. What a wonderful Savior!
Being Present Like Christ
What a wonderful God to open my eyes and instruct my heart. To follow Christ requires me to engage with those I’m with. To express those words of encouragement and to reach out with a healing touch. This is what He is asking me to do.
Who is it that Jesus is asking you to be present with and respond to with His love and care? Are you finding the rhythm of spending solitary times with the Lord to worship Him, find rest, and seek His will, to then reach out and engage with those He has placed in your life? He has graciously gone before us in practicing both solitude and service. Let’s follow Him as He leads us through this season and beyond.
-Al Minott