Mark 1 | Jesus' Early Mornings

There was a habit that Jesus seemed to have acquired. We see it multiple places in Scripture, but it is most clearly seen in Mark 1:35.

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

Notice each important phrase and what it says to us about our lives.

"In the early morning, while it was still dark"

This practice did not occur when others were up, but before the day began. before other people or circumstances demanded his attention

"Jesus got up"

Perhaps no phrase is more important. When the Father called Him, He obeyed. He got up. How many thousands of believers and how many millions of times when called by God has this encounter with God been aborted simply because we will not get up. We think a few hours of sleep is more valuable to us than an encounter with God, preparing us for others and the day's ministry ahead.

"left the house and went away to a secluded place"

There is something necessary about seclusion. Jesus left His natural surroundings to find a spot where He could enjoy uninterrupted communion with His Father. It was necessary for Him to accomplish the purposes of these hours, and it is necessary for us.

"and was praying there"

This was the goal. This was the activity of this early morning habit. He went to commune with God. To talk with God and to be in a posture and environment where God could have Christ's undivided attention.

If this was Christ's necessary habit, how could it be any less for us? Why would we not rise when God calls, get up and go to a secluded place, and pray there?

And why not this week? And the rest of our lives?

Father, thank You for the continual, perfect model of Your Son. Thank you for Your willingness to meet with us. Give us grace to respond to You promptly when You call. Prepare us for each day, Lord, and help us fulfill the purposes of those days armed with our intimacy with You.