Sometimes I feel sorry for actors, actresses and music stars. The more popular they are, the less privacy they really have. I can't imaging not being able to run to Wal-Mart without having to face a hoard of paparazzi and requests for autographs. I can't imagine having to have a body guard go with me wherever I went or to have security posted outside my house. You'd feel like a prisoner in your own home.
Not only that, think about how it would affect your kids and family. You couldn't take your kids to the park or beach or Chuckie Cheese without people pressing you or camera flashes going off in your face. You couldn't go on a date to your favorite restaurant without a scene. You wouldn't even be able to walk your dog without someone hounding you. (Pun intended.) No wonder many of these celebrities run through countless relationships or end up in rehab centers. That life would be tough on anyone.
I'm sure that's what it must have been like for Jesus. Perhaps actually worse. People weren't looking for Jesus' autograph. They were looking for a miracle, a healing, or a handout. Sure they were amazed by His teaching, but they also came to see the show. Some people came to Jesus with legitimate needs. My guess is it looked like an emergency room waiting room around Jesus. Others no doubt came simply to get in on the action.
Wherever Jesus went there was a crowd. He had a hard time escaping. Yet even Jesus knew the importance of refreshing Himself. There are plenty of times we note in scripture of Jesus getting alone with God. Here in this passage, the disciples are just returning from their own ministry tour without Jesus. They were amazed at what God did through them. The "Follow Jesus" movement among the masses was hitting its peak. Everyone was excited and the crowds had never been bigger.
It was in that moment that Jesus drew the disciples away to a quieter place, out of the excitement, to gain perspective and reflect and renew. It's hard to really think and learn and grow in the excitement of all the action. Sure there's a lot of energy and highs in the exuberance of those moments. But it's always unsustainable. We need the solitude with God for refreshment and understanding and guidance.
God, Bill Hybels was right when he said that we're too busy not to pray. I need time with you. I need the wisdom and perspective and guidance that only comes from spending time with you alone. I want to be like Adam and Eve before the fall who walked with you in the cool of the evening. I long to experience your presence. Lord, I love the exciting active ministry time and the thrill of changed lives. But I also long for a quiet, personal time with you.
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