This is part 2 of a 7-part series on Personal Retreats that Brenda wrote for Everyone a Missionary in 2007. We also ran this series in 2016. Click here if you would like to start at the beginning of the series.
The logo WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) became popular in the 1990’s. Adding a twist to that question, I believe it’s also appropriate to ask ourselves, “What did Jesus do?” or WDJD? The answer to this question makes up the greatest story on earth. God intruded into this world and took on human flesh. Jesus lived to do the will of His Father, died a criminal, rose a King and lives now to be our Redeemer, Intercessor and Friend. Additional stories of Jesus’ life are also remarkable. He walked on water, fed the hungry (thousands at a time) and restored sight to the blind.
But Jesus participated in the simpler things of life as well. He attended weddings, held babies, asked questions and made friends. He also regularly sought out solitary places to pray. Jesus took time to be alone with His Father.
The evidence is clear and exciting. Jesus routinely carved out time to retreat to rest and pray in quiet places with His Father. It was a regular part of his life, not an isolated incident. So, with eyes fixed on the Son of God, we have the opportunity to glean valuable insight into the power of personal retreats for mission-minded people. By taking a look at Jesus’ first extended getaway, we see that this 40-day desert retreat played a critical role as Jesus embarked on his public ministry of teaching and healing.
Jesus’ first recorded personal retreat occurred immediately after his baptism. “At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert . . . (Mark 1:12 – also found in Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1) This extended rendezvous with His Father transitioned Jesus from a quieter, more private life into the arena of public ministry.
Four faith-factors emerge from this account.
1. Jesus went away to quiet places.
2. The Holy Spirit was active throughout.
3. God’s Word was foundational.
4. This getaway launched Jesus into his public ministry.
What is Jesus DOING in your life right now?
Great insights! Thanks!
Tom, thanks!
Reflecting on this “Twist” — What DID Jesus do — has impacted how I live and love. It’s an ongoing journey of attention to the Holy Spirit and meeting Jesus at the cross with my joys and failures.
Onward! Jesus goes before us!
Jesus is holding me close, comforting and refreshing me after a long season of my mom’s declining health with Lewy body dementia and her recent death. He is also strengthening me in my relationship with my dad.
Day by day our Lord comforts and strengthens.
He provides!
Manna in the desert.
What we need for the day.
Praying for you right now.
Onward. Eyes on Jesus!
Brenda
———- Forwarded message ———
This is powerful for me today, Brenda. Thank you. I notice that right after Jesus had a victory, the enemy came to attack. I notice that as Jesus went to be with His Father, and ours, He didn’t schedule a time. He was there with God until it was completed. That is so hard for us. Our schedules dictate our time with God. Father, forgive me. I wonder how long it took Jesus to come into the place of prayer and quiet contemplation. I get so aggravated with myself. I give up so quickly. I think pondering this time that Jesus walked through will be a positive activity for me today and in the days to come.
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Sweet and tender may this time be … for all of us!