Oh, we’ll know each other forever … The days of losing touch are almost gone. —Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad
When I was younger, I spent a lot of time with my dad. Every Friday was our day off, and on many Fridays, we’d book the first tee time of the morning. The golf course was cut right out of the woods. And as the sun rose and the dew melted from the grass, we’d walk together—all 18 holes. My dad and I talked a lot and laughed even more during those few hours of golf. We were terrible golfers, but we had a blast.
Then God called Libby and me to Texas, so off we went. Not only was I a thousand miles from Wisconsin, but life and ministry started happening, too. Suddenly I felt like, Man, I don’t get that one-on-one time with my dad anymore.
Time can pass quickly without a real, intimate conversation with someone we love so desperately.
Jesus experienced this, too.
For all eternity, He and the Father were one, enjoying one another. Then Jesus got called to earth—a little like my Texas—and there was a separation of sorts. That intimate union they’d experienced for all eternity was different now, and Jesus longed for His heavenly Father.
So He came up with a simple strategy to make sure the relationship stayed close, even though they weren’t together physically.
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)
Just a few words of insight show us one monumental part of Jesus’ time here on earth. It was His strategy of staying in touch with the Father. We’re going to learn about that strategy over the next few days.
Jesus, when the days pass without a meaningful conversation with You, I start to feel distant. Remind me that these feelings are false, for Your indwelling Spirit always indwells me. I invite You into my calendar this week and ask that You show me where our “golf” time exists. Show me the space where we can meet. Amen.
Learn more from Pete’s teaching series on Luke, What Will Jesus Do?