Article March 15, 1941 Issue

"A great while before day"

DOROTHY MARY HUTCHINGS

The four Gospels tell us all that we know about the life of Christ Jesus, and their simple records are very precious. In their light the three years of his marvelous ministry stand out to the student, not only because of what is there recorded, but in a degree also by reason of what is omitted. We gain a picture of the shepherd tenderly caring for his flock: we note his watchfulness, his patience and compassion, and his constant loving-kindness; but how little is given to indicate the appearance or personality of the man, save what we can discern through a survey of his mighty works! We are told much about his essential grasp of the fact of his sonship with the Father — that fact which was the foundation of his ministry — but very little about his human relationships and home ties, though what we are told provides a pattern for human living.

Our Master was constantly at the service of his fellows. During long, crowded hours they thronged him, bringing their sick to him that they might obtain healing. Never did he express unwillingness to see them, to help and teach them; always he gave out lovingly from his store of spiritual understanding and power.

How did he replenish this reservoir of spiritual strength? Through prayer. In the Gospel of Mark we are told that, "rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." "A great while before day"! The previous day may have been long and arduous, but Jesus' replenishment did not depend upon sleep. While it was still dark he was ready to rise, to uplift his thinking anew, and to come to that place where he could be alone with God. During these hours of communion with his Father he gained the strength, the refreshment, and the wisdom which enabled him to tread the path that had been assigned to him as Saviour of the world. It was then that his spiritual clear-sightedness became even more translucent; it was then that his mission must have unfolded to him in all its grandeur; and it was then that the qualities which enabled him to tread that path were strengthened for the test ahead.

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