Wednesday,
February 8, 2023
WHY THE MOUNTAIN
Matt 14:23
23 And when he
had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and
when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Both Matthew and
Mark add the word “apart” when describing Jesus’
ascending the mountain to pray. Mark adds an additional phrase, “by themselves,” when he talks about the transfiguration. I
think this is curious and worthy of a few moments thought.
Jesus was no recluse, but He did value
aloneness. Seeing him with five thousand might easily explain His desire to be
in a solitary place. The life of a pastor is all about people. Attracting them,
keeping them, and facilitating change in them. But Jesus being their model,
most pastors I know value time alone.
Apart is the Greek
word idios which means private and
separate. We understand it to mean our personal space. Mark uses the word monos which means one and adds strength to the idea of solitude.
I value my alone
time and perhaps you do to. I think personal worship is really the only
kind that exists. I may join others in singing praises or studying the Word,
but true worship is done solitarily, and alone.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is
still on the roses
And the voice I
hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God
discloses
He speaks and the
sound of His voice
Is so sweet the
birds hush their singing
And the melody that
He gave to me
Within my heart
is ringing
And He walks with
me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I
am His own
And the joy we
share as we tarry there
None other has
ever known
Dear Lord, how I love my alone time with you. Let me never be so busy
that I neglect it. AMEN
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