Jesus' ministry started with great success. Crowds flocked to him in Galilee, to hear his message, and to receive his healing. He was so popular that at day break, though he had retreated into a deserted place, the crowds sought and found him. They wanted more. I wonder if Jesus was tempted to stay, to ride the wave of popularity, to remain where he was wanted and appreciated?

He did not stay. "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose," he said (Luke 4:43). How did Jesus discern between one good thing---nurturing those first helped, and another good thing---taking the message to others who had not yet heard? He spent time apart with God, talking and listening. And in this process he found his sense of purpose.

We seek such knowledge. What am I here for? What do I commit to now? We seek, but the answer is already given. Our purpose is the same as Jesus', for we continue His work. We are to proclaim the good news in words and in acts of mercy, and we are to take the message "to the other cities," whether that is foreign lands, or the next office cubicle, the next door neighbor, the next needy person who crosses our paths.