Early in the Morning

April 16, 2023

Matthew 1:35-39 | Psalm 5:1-4

Despite what we’ve noted concerning Mark’s fast pace, this gospel is also the most persistent in pointing out Jesus’ penchant for escaping the grind, going away, being alone, and praying to God the Father. This isn’t unique to Mark, but his gospel points it out regularly (though never in length). We will see later in Mark Jesus’ insistence upon the disciples for adhesion to the same practice (retreating).

But for now, take note of Jesus’ rhythm between doing/working/being with people and resting/escaping/being alone.

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Matthew 1:35-39

Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”

He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.

Psalm 5:1-4

Hear my words, Lord!
    Consider my groans!
    Pay attention to the sound of my cries, my king and my God,
        because I am praying to you!
Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.
    In the morning I lay it all out before you.
    Then I wait expectantly.
Because you aren’t a God
    who enjoys wickedness;
    evil doesn’t live with you.

Prayer

God -

Thank you for daylight. Thank you for mornings. Thank you for the new opportunity that comes with another morning. I’m not sure there’s anything that is a more regular and consistent image of your faithfulness than the sun rising again. Then again, I don’t know…maybe the tides or moon phases…regardless, I see your faithfulness in the rising of the sun and am grateful for it.

I know will never have the same absolute regularity of the rising sun. But I’d like to move toward it. So give me your persistence, Lord. Make me faithful even as I reach out further in my faith toward Christ.

In his name and by his spirit,

Amen.