DO WE KNOW OUR CALLING AND ITS PURPOSE?

The passage from Mark 1:32-39 tells us that the LORD Jesus was clear about His purpose and His calling. When the LORD Jesus started His earthly ministry, it was unlike anything that was seen by the people in Israel. The crowds just thronged to the place where Jesus was. The needs of the people were great. Therefore, they came night and day, even though it was not proper for someone to be burdened with our troubles, that way. People were suffering so immensely, that they simply had no scope to think, if it was proper and appropriate to “trouble” Jesus, even in the evening, after the sunset, and late into the night.
– “32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.” – Mark 1:32-34

The LORD Jesus after a tiresome night of healing the sick, does something that should wake us up to check our own realities. How much of an effort are we putting into our relationship with the LORD? How serious and committed are we in our desire to be with the LORD? How sincere are we in our desire to be filled by God’s grace, mercy and power to be His witnesses and His ambassadors?
– “35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.” – Mark 1:35-36

When Simon and others found where Jesus was, they let Him know that the crowds were waiting for Him and His healing touch. The response of Jesus is what should startle us. The words of Jesus gives a deep insight into who our LORD is, and how He approached His earthly ministry.
– “36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.” – Mark 1:36-39

The LORD Jesus was clear about His purpose and His task. His heart and His mode were set upon the work for which He had come. He was on it, night and day. His passion for the purpose of His incarnation were not a distraction to drive Him away from the source of His strength – the communion with the Father. Rather, the enormity of the task, and the responsibility therewith, drove Jesus, to spend time with His Father, night and day. A great lesson for us to learn for our life and our living.

– Jesus was clear about the purpose for His coming. 
– He was on it, without getting side-tracked.
– All the busyness and the related stress and strain of it did not distract Him nor disturb Him from maintaining that relationship with His Father.
The question for us to ask is, “What about us?” Are we sure and clear about what our LORD had called us to? Do we have our own plans and purposes and are using God to reach them? Such a scenario is perfectly possible.

Many times we fail in focussing on the purpose for which our LORD had called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. Many times we are distracted. Many times diverted too. Many times discouraged and down. Many times too weak because of the work and the related stress and strain. May we take inspiration from our LORD, and focus on the work entrusted to us, without losing our desire and longing, to spend quality personal time in the presence of our LORD, the source of all our strength, to carry on the task of the kingdom, entrusted to our care. Even so, the LORD help us.