Detours
Scripture Reading — Mark 1:35-39
When they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
In Ontario, where I live, there is lots of snow in January. One advantage to the snow is that it limits road construction. When the weather turns warmer, it seems we move right into a “Detour” season. When you leave your house in the morning, you have a plan and you think you know the roads you’ll be taking. Then a “Detour” sign pops up and takes you a different way.
I wonder if that is how the disciples felt that morning when they woke up and Jesus wasn’t in the house. They were probably planning on another day of walking with people and learning from Jesus as he interacted with them. A crowd had begun to gather in hopes of finding Jesus and asking him to help. Before long, it seemed everyone was looking for Jesus.
But Jesus had taken a detour. He knew that if you want to help others, you must first be equipped and prepared with the help of the Father. He knew he needed time away to be with his Father. He needed to refresh and refocus. Jesus also knew that his mission extended beyond the local crowd, so he traveled throughout the region to the streets of other towns.
Have you taken time to be with God today, to be refreshed and refocused in his presence? Could he be pointing to a detour?
Dear God, sometimes we are so busy that we forget to take time to be with you. Guide us to put you first in our lives. Keep us listening to your direction, and help us to be willing to take detours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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