Bible Reading: Mark 3: 1-18
“And he ordained twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” – Mark 3:14-15 (KJV).
Spending quality time with Jesus in sweet communion is the secret of victorious Christian life and fruitful service or ministry. Jesus calls people to be with him and then to be his channels of blessing to the world. The quality of one’s Christian life and ministry is greatly dependent on time spent with Jesus. Spending time with Jesus will demand studying and meditating on the word, it will demand prayer and worship. It is as one stays on the word and learns of him that godly values and principles are imbibed. Grace is equally contacted in his presence. No one has the right to do ministry who has not first spent time with Jesus in prayer and meditation on the word. The apostles saw the need to give themselves to prayer and to ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).
Not even the urgency of the work of the kingdom could stop Jesus from prioritizing time spent with the disciples. He knew that the best way to redeem the time and achieve great result was for the disciples to spend quality time with him. He knew that the harvest was ripe and that labourers were few, yet he insisted that the few labourers spend time with him first before he could send them out. The reason for this is because he was result oriented. He knew that the work of the kingdom is not by human power or might but by the Holy Spirit. Even before his ascension, he demanded that the disciples tarry in the upper room until they were endued with power from on high. Being with Jesus would make a lot of difference; they would be energized and equipped for the work which would result to greater impact and effectiveness. The result is obvious from the testimonies that followed. “And when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled, and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” – Acts 4:13 (KJV).
When one stays with Jesus and learns of him, one will find rest to one’s soul and produce greater result in life and ministry.
Prayer: Lord, help me to prioritize time spent with you.
Rev. Vincent Diolu