Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – January 26, 2017

isaiah49-13

Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:13-23 (24-26); Galatians 3:1-14; Mark 6:30-46

Rhythm is a crucial aspect of music. Music would not be music without rhythm.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his apostles and you a crucial rhythm for kingdom effectiveness. First, the apostles reported on “all that they had done and taught.” Then in the midst of “many coming and going,” Jesus invites his apostles and you, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” Jesus is demonstrating and teaching a crucial rhythm: a rhythm of rest and work, being alone and with people, quiet and noise, ceasing and action, prayer and fruitfulness. We all need this crucial rhythm. It takes intentionality to make this rhythm happen in the midst of busyness, many people coming and going, and needs all around.

After being in that desolate and restful place, Jesus is able to feel genuine compassion. He perceives a great crowd’s need: “sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus draws upon miraculous wisdom to satisfy them with a few bread and fish, multiplied by heavenly power. Then the “rhythm” continues: Jesus takes “leave of them,” and goes “up the mountain to pray.”

How are you doing with this crucial rhythm? What do you need today? Jesus invites you: “Come…”

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you for rest, refreshment, and your living word. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Wendy Berthelson, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Clifton, TX, and Hope Lutheran Church, Cedar Hill, TX.

Original image