A Helping Team

Mark 6:45-46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
 
WE read in Mark 1:35 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. Alone with the Father, the Son of Man prepared for his work throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. (Mark 1:39)
   Here we read that prayer concluded a day of God’s glory revealed in Jesus’ teaching and feeding thousands. Perhaps in the early morning he prayed for the Spirit to empower and protect him for the work. He would have asked for wisdom to lead him on the paths of righteousness for the LORD’s purpose. In the evening he would have prayed thanksgiving for the Father’s and Spirit’s provision for the hungry of body and soul.
   We see in these details a glimpse of Jesus’ earthly life. He is the LORD of heaven and earth incarnate. With one command he fed thousands. He taught with powerful and even disturbing words to prick their hearts and open those lost in darkness to see Jesus, the Light of Life. And then the Lord of Hosts worked as an usher, dismissing the crowd. He arranged his disciples’ transportation. Jesus worked in the world as we all do, even as he did the Father’s world-changing work.
   The King teaches us kingdom living. Each day we enter God’s purpose. It’s good and necessary to spend time in prayer, so we are prepared for each day’s challenges and triumphs. In the evening it is good to thank God for the day. Celebrate the victories he has given you and the strength to persevere through unresolved issues. Your thankful heart is a worshipful heart, praising God that he is your Father, Savior and Counselor. You rejoice even on the very hard days because the Lord Jesus has told you through his life, death and resurrection, “I love you. I am with you always.”
   Even though Jesus isolated himself from people, Jesus was not on a solitary mission. The Son was joined with the Father and Spirit. He needed their help. God defines himself as a helper many times. Moses and the prophets praised God, my helper (Exodus 18:4). They thanked God for preserving their lives and giving Israel victories over their enemies: Psalms 118:7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. And Jesus promised he would send the Helper to aid the disciples’ work: John 15:26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
   The Hoy Trinity is a unity of activity to advance God’s kingdom. As Jesus helped the disciples and the crowd on the Galilean plain that day, he exhibited God’s very personal touch on his people. When you believe in God, you can believe with all your heart he is helping you live a faithful life. Each day be mindful to pray for his leading and to pray thanksgiving for his presence in your life. Pray for others, that the Helper will strengthen, encourage and care for them. Know you will be victorious over all things because you know Psalms 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.