“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and go to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:22,23
There are so many practical lessons to be learned from each recorded event of our Master’s life while on the earth. Matthew went to great lengths to record even the smallest details because he knew that each part held significance in the Master’s work. Here we read the beginning of one of the most notable events: the miracle of both Savior and his disciple walking on the water! We often overlook the details of this story while centering our attention upon the more incredible parts. Here is a small detail that addresses one of our most essential yet neglected needs and possibilities. It is clearing a way to be alone with God our Father.
Today’s pace of life seldom allows for “down time” or “alone time”. For sure there seems to be ever shrinking time just to get away and be alone with God. We constantly find ourselves surrounded by the “multitude” of daily obligations, struggles, responsibilities, devils, and burdens that demand our attention from our waking to our weary falling into bed each night. Our intentions are good because we feel compelled to get things done and to accomplish the day’s tasks so as not to get behind. The inevitable result is that there remains little or no time for being alone with God. As needful as these “multitudes of whatevers” may be, it is critical to our spiritual well-being that we get away and get alone with God. Much that detains us could be put off if need be, but neglecting our personal, private time with God will quickly affect us in a far greater way than postponing the other things.
The ability to “send the multitudes away” is a greater miracle than one may think. Imagine. Jesus had just fed 5,000 men and their families with a little lad’s lunch. This multitude was so intent on clinging to him that most had forgotten to bring anything to eat. They were so hungry, and then were so completely fed, yet they just wouldn’t leave the Master. The disciples felt the same. They were compelled to stay close, not only because they needed him for their souls, but also they felt a responsibility to him—to protect him and minister to his needs. There is a time for the multitudes; there is a time for your fellow Christian’s fellowship. Jesus did all they had needed from him. Now, He needed to be alone, to rest and retreat to his Father. But how in the world was he going to do it?
Now, here are the real miracles. Note how Matthew records this. In these two verses, each phrase teaches us something important and possible for us as well. First, Jesus just ordered (constrained) his disciples to get on in the boat and sail to the other side. Can’t you hear all the protests, pleas, and arguments? They meant well, but couldn’t grasp why Jesus wanted some alone time. Sometimes we become so dependent on the “multitude” that we don’t trust ourselves in being alone as if we are afraid we cannot be a Christian with just us and God. The true test of our Christian sincerity comes when we are alone. However, it is only then when God can speak to us in a manner we don’t experience in any other circumstance. How did he succeed in nudging those guys on their journey? He just did it. And we can too. We can do all things through Christ, and one of them is clearing a way to be alone with Him.
The same applied when he dispersed the multitude. Perhaps he used plain old common sense, reminding them of their place and duties elsewhere, assuring them not to worry. He would be with them even though out of sight. And he would see them again. However he did it, he did it. And it seemed easier than we would think possible. For us as well, clearing the board in order to have some alone-with-God time is not as complicated as we imagine. Just do it.
Jesus had a place set for meeting his Father. The same little mountain rising above the northern shore of Galilee that he taught and fed the multitude from, he now used for divine privacy. He went into a mountain apart, a place apart from all earthly distractions and interruptions and a place where all was still, except for the soft, gentle sea breeze. Believe it or not, each one of us has a place like this somewhere. We have used it before. Remember where it is? You need to find it again.
Jesus went there in retreat unto his Father. Being in earthly form, he spoke with God through prayer. Yes, he was tired. It had been a long day. Much had happened and much lay ahead, but he took the time and felt the need to spend some quality time with God in prayer. We will always be weary from today’s challenges. There will always be a load waiting on us on the morrow. If he felt the need to resort privately to his Father, how greater is our need? He went when night was gathering and didn’t come down until the fourth watch, 3-6 a.m. Talking to God was more important than sleep. When we have taken time alone with God, we will sleep better, and there will be time for it too. From that mountain he could clearly see in every direction. How better is our overall perspective when we spend time with God in that personal place. From that mountain, he found direction for what lay ahead. He could see a distant storm gathering, and his disciples entering into it. He knew what lay on the other shore as well. It was from this private spot with his Father that he walked to the shore and then…kept on walking…over the water! Think we could do that too? Clear away those multitudes. Say good night to your brethren, and get with your God, one on one. Then see just what you will be able to do!
Time regularly spent alone with God is where we will gain the most and grow the most.
“And when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
Shall we keep our Father waiting?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 