“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35
Dear Ones:
In one of Jesus’ parables, He likens the one who hears the word of God, but the care of this world, along with the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word like thorns would do to a young plant. The result is that that person becomes unfruitful. (Matt. 13:22) What are these thorns, this “care of the world,” and the accompanying issue of the “deceitfulness of riches?”
In one of the temptations that Jesus endured in the wilderness at the hands of Satan, He was transported to a high mountain, showed “all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” (Luke 4:6) Satan then told Jesus, “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them, for that is delivered unto me; and to whosoever I will I give it.” He then added: “If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine.” (v.7) One of the great and apparent lessons of Jesus’ rebuke of Satan, was that the Son of God will not be bought, even with regard to all the kingdoms of the world. The centrality, and singularity, of His devotion to the Father is clearly understood by His words: “Get thee behind me Satan: for it is written; ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.'” (Luke 4:8) Jesus does not let even the kingdoms of this world, with all that their possession could mean, deter him from the central and most important thing, fellowship with His Father.
Another example of the devotion of Christ is found in the gospel of Mark. We find Jesus ministering to the multitudes “…The whole city was gathered together at the door.” (1:33) The demands upon Jesus by those who needed healing, and also to hear the word of God, were tremendous. However, we see Him rising a great while before the dawn the next morning, going out to a solitary place, to pray. Even the needs of those around Him will not deter Him from dealing with that which is most important, and primary, communion with the Father. He will not allow even ministry to take the place of aloneness with His Father.
So, Jesus was not deterred by the “glory” of kingdoms, nor the needs of men. The words that He received were not choked, nor was His obedience affected, by potential pitfalls, and “thorns.” This is not the experience of many sinners, even those who would seek God. The “care of the world” is that which preoccupies the individual, and his attention. His preference and choice, is easily given to something, or someone, other than to Christ. This does not mean that the individual is not to be responsible to provide for his own, nor can be negligent in business. But it does mean that, as Jesus told Martha about Mary: “Mary has chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42) Or as the Lord told the church in Ephesus, mentioned in the book of Revelation: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” (Rev. 2:4) What was then the call of Christ to Ephesus? “…repent and do the first works” (v.5) What are these first works? Ephesus, as a church was unparalleled in zeal, and steadfast knowledge of the truth. However, she was “fallen” because she had been “deceived” into equating religious zeal, and works, with personal, profound communion with God. Did not Jesus say in the Gospels: “Without Me you can do nothing?” (Jn. 15:5) Ephesus was seeking to “serve” God, but was neglecting communion with God. Even the care of the church, or ministry, can be a thorn, which can choke life-giving communion, the first thing.
Lastly, the “deceitfulness of riches” is a thorn, for therein resides the thought that the amount of “things” possessed, determines the success of a believer’s endeavors. We have only to look at Jesus, who had no house nor home…nowhere to lay His head. He was never deterred from the first thing.
Dear Father, Keep us free from thorns to love Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad