A Matter of Priority

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. (Luke 5:16 NASB)

In the midst of the tightest schedule and the most action-packed three years of any human's life, Jesus took frequent breaks. They may not have been long, but they were focused, and they were a priority.  

Maybe you are like me. If I had to accomplish the redemption of the world and train disciples to carry on after I was gone in just three short years, there is no way I'd have taken a break. I'd have pressed on until I was so exhausted that I collapsed. The idea of frequent "mini vacations" seems odd to me, yet that is exactly what Jesus did. He withdrew to a peaceful, quiet, empty place where He could be alone to talk with His Dad.  He stopped often to be quiet and visit with His Father, because He knew that was where He gained strength and direction. His power came from God the Father and not from the frail flesh encasing Him. 

We would do well to remember the priorities of Christ. He kept time alone with His Heavenly Father in first place ahead of performing the God-given work He was sent to perform. He didn't neglect the work, but He didn't miss the quiet time, either. It's a wonderful formula for life and ministry, and one we would do well to emulate.  

How jam-packed is your schedule? When did you last take a short break in a quiet place just to spend time in prayer and Bible study? Perhaps it's time for a reordering of priorities. Let's make the most important thing our first priority and trust that, like Christ, we will gain strength and power from the time well spent. 

Pray today that we and our loved ones will "make time for Christ".