THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

CHAPTER SIX
THE PLACE OF BEING ALONE
"So the child grew and became strong in Spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel" (Lu1:80) Every believer’s hour of manifestation; the only attainable divine appearance; reality and perfect fulfillment in us to the present day generation requires getting lost in the wilderness or deserts.

John the Baptist is an exceptional example for the present day ecclesia to emulate if our prayer to save our nations should prevail over all drifted spirituality or self made Christianity. The early stage of ones Christian life is likened to childhood, which must be accompanied with growth and characterized by spiritual strength. This kind of growth and strength would demand seclusion from the usual or traditional formalities of ordinary life.

The solitary confinements can work to bring one to the expected hour of presentation, attainment, record setting and manifestation. This will however require a very high degree of determination, focus, diligence, discipline, self-restrain, patience and forbearance. John the Baptist’s assignment was that of a forerunner, and yet he had to follow the process and pattern of becoming a power manifestation as evident in the initial ministry of the Lord Jesus.

“And the Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Lk. 2:40,52)  As a child Jesus grew, became spiritually strong, increased in wisdom and in the endowment of grace. These continued steadily in His life until the time of His manifestation. His ministry was remarkably characterized by a consistent commitment to prayer: The following testimonies in the gospels attest to that.

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place and there He prayed. (Mk. 1:35). “Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them;” (Lk.4:42). “And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. “Mk. 6:46, However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; arid great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.” (Lk.5: 15) And also: Mt. 4:25; Mk. 3:7; Jn. 6:2 “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Lk.5:16) And also: Mt 14:23; Mr 6:46.