What's More Important

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:32-35 NIV

Jesus was always doing something. He was very hands-on. You know He was busy during the day, and yet here He is in this passage at evening time, after sunset. After the normal day's work. And the people brought Him ALL the sick and demon-possessed. And look! It says the whole town gathered at the door. Now, if you've ever been to a healing service where they called for everyone, you KNOW it goes on for hours. The whole town and it was already after supper time! So we can just guess that it was very late when He laid down to rest.

And yet, Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up... He didn't have 8 hours sleep. He didn't get a cup of coffee. He didn't grab the morning edition of the Jerusalem Journal to catch up on the news. There was no TV. No radio. It doesn't say He crawled back into bed to catch a few more minutes of sleep because He was so tired. No, He left the house and went off to pray... someplace where He could be alone with God the Father.

Jesus knew the Scriptures because He read from the scrolls of Isaiah (Luke 4), so I believe He knew Isaiah 40:31, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Jesus knew He had to wait on the Lord. What's more important - sleep or time spent with the Lord?

Prayer:

Father,

          Help us to be more in tune with who You are than who we are. Drive home the Truth that to renew our strength we must wait on You. Let us do so with joy and anticipation of what we will hear when we are alone with You and hear You speak to us.  In Jesus' Name. Amen