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February 4, 2024

God’s Mission—My Priority

Collins E. Ako   |   Read Mark 1:35-39

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Lectionary Week
January 29–February 4, 2024
Scripture Overview

The passages for this week emphasize the rewards that come with discovering God’s good purpose for us. We read about how God gives power to the faint and increases the strength of those who wait on him. Psalm 147 presents God as the author of creation and as a very active agent in the restoration of the world. The passages in First Corinthians and Mark warn against distraction from God’s good purpose for all of creation once we come to engage in the missio dei. Mark also invites believers to constantly spend time in the presence of God as they engage in God’s mission.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 40:21-31. How have you felt God renewing your strength when you have felt weak?
Read Psalm 147:1-11, 20c. With reference to any personal challenges that you might be encountering at this point, what would the hallelujah look like for you?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. What are some of your personal privileges and how do you use them to serve others and the gospel?
Read Mark 1:29-39. Where and how have you seen God at work during your wilderness moments?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Mark 1:35-39

35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. 36 Simon and those with him tracked him down. 37 When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!” 38 He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” 39 He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

As I read about Jesus departing into a deserted place, I wonder if there is any relationship between it and the deserted places mentioned in other passages in the scripture. In John 1:23, we see John the Baptist is calling the people to repentance from a deserted place. In Matthew...

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God, lead me to that deserted place where I can meet you, and help me to discover your purpose for my life. Amen.


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