Time Alone in the Natural World
Quite often in my ministry I have spoken with people who would rather spend time out in the woods hunting, or out on a lake or by a river fishing, or hiking up a mountain than come to church. They would often confess to me that they felt closer to God out in nature. In researching the ministry of Jesus, I have come to believe they got it half-right. Jesus did spend significant amounts of time in the natural world as a means to restore his soul and refresh his mind. After his baptism by John in the Jordan River, Jesus spent time in the wilderness in a time of fasting and prayer. The Gospels record that he was known to depart from the buzz of his disciples and the pressing crowds that followed him to “lonely places” – places that were apart from human habitation. Spending time alone in the natural world was a way that Jesus used to reinvigorate himself after expending so much personal time and energy in service to others. However, this was always balanced by spending time in fellowship with his disciples, worshipping with them, and engaging in the sort of education and learning that can only occur in human society. The key word here is balance. Jesus balanced the intensity of daily human interactions with the solitude of communion with the natural world. |
The Spiritual Disciplines of Jesus |
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In this video, we look at the importance of spending time in the natural world. With the ubiquitous presence of modern technology (including the use of this website) we can easily forget that we are creatures of the earth as much was bacteria, bats, and beluga whales. Spending time in the natural world helps to restore us to our part in Creation, and reconnects us with our Creator. |