Our Scripture reading today is Luke 5:15-16, "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."
The news is definitely spreading about the miraculous power of Jesus of Nazareth. Crowds are coming not only for the miracles but also to hear His powerful words. The prophet Isaiah wrote about the Messiah and His healing power. Isaiah 35:5-6, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." There is no doubt the ministry is physically and emotionally taxing.
Our ministry should not take us away from prayer, but it should push us to prayer. The ministry of our home should show us how much we need the Lord. As we have opportunity at work to be a minister, we must pray for God's wisdom and divine opportunities to speak of Jesus. "He made it a frequent custom to withdraw from the multitudes for a time, and pray, teaching hereby ministers of the Gospel that they are to receive fresh supplies of light and power from God by prayers, that they may be the more successful in their work; and that they ought to seek frequent opportunities of being in private with God and their books." (Clarke)
Time alone with our Father prepares us for time with those who need help that comes from above. We have a message of hope and healing.