In the synagogue at Capernaum: smell the polished wood: the dusty scrolls: even the odour of human bodies squashed together hear the voices at prayer, reading the Scriptures: perhaps the high pitched wavering voice of a scholarly scribe 'Rabbi X says this: Rabbi Y says that, on the one hand, on the other.

Look at the eyes of the people glazing over, trying to listen stifling yawns, tying to stop the children fidget And then a different voice cuts through: probably quiet and gentle but with the unmistakable note of one who knows: who speaks with authority "the people were amazed at his teaching because he taught them as one who had authority not as the teachers of the law." So much religion is words about God: Jesus spoke with words from God. No dithering no waffling: he spoke with complete personal security, complete certainty of personal knowledge of God. Something we all want to hear, a clear word from God something you need to pray for the preacher that the Spirit will give the clear word of Christ.

'We do not have to make any secret of our preachers fallibility or of our own spiritual deafness. But we know that still, when Sunday comes Christ goes into the church and teaches. We gather with expectation because we believe he can and will take up the preacher's stumbling words into his service and enable us to hear through them his own word to us. And when that happens we are no longer left with mere opinions which we can listen to or ignore as we please. When Christ speaks to us, he tells us the truth about our lives, truth that goes home "truth that commits." (Jas Leitch) truth with authority -- pray for that from every preacher.

What's that shouting all about? Harsh cries from a man tormented by a demon distressing embarrassing but that's what happens when the authority of Jesus challenges an evil spirit This is not just an intellectual seminar on theology this is a power encounter on a very deep level which most of us, thankfully, never have to deal with. But Jesus who is indeed the Holy One of God has authority and power to deal with every manifestation of evil. No argument, no incantations, no elaborate prayer wrestling. The spirit that was in Jesus was more than equal to the evil spirit. Something always to remember when we are downcast by great evil, the power of the name of Jesus Christ Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world I John 4.4

The service is over -- time for lunch at Simon Peter's house. Imagine the smell of food cooking, the table spread for guests But no smiles of welcome? Frowns of worry instead? Simon's mother in law is sick, tossing and turning with a fever. Can Jesus do anything? Look carefully as he goes to her, takes her hand and helps her up. She's better! She's well enough to help with the dinner! No wonder that night, once the Sabbath is over, people flock around and Jesus heals the sick and casts out more demons Imagine the noise of the crowd gathered round the shouts of delight of people healed, the murmurs of wonder, the quiet, firm voice of Jesus silencing the evil spirits.

The household is tired, they lie down and soon are fast asleep. But very early in the morning, while it is still dark you can hear soft footsteps and the door creaking someone has got up and gone out, walking outside the village. It is Jesus, gone to pray by himself

Now we can begin to guess at the reason for those amazing things Jesus keeps in touch with his heavenly Father He is never so busy that prayer is sidelined instead he is so busy that prayer is more of a priority. Perhaps the events of the day before, so early on in his ministry require more time for talking through with his Father Perhaps he needs to assess what priority he should give to each aspect, teaching, driving out spirits, healing. Amid all the demands of people he needs to hear what his Father says. And when Simon stumbles up to him, annoyed that he has gone off when people are looking for him, he has his answer Let us go to the nearby villages so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come. Through prayer Jesus has reaffirmed his priority. The healings and other miracles are good, they help people and they point to his divine nature but the good must not replace the best which is to proclaim the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe the good news. And to move on in a journey which will climax in Jerusalem on a cross and from an empty tomb to bring a new spring time opening the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Which is why Jesus silences the evil Spirits, his time has not yet come for full revelation his grand purpose is not served by becoming a spectacular healer. Which is why although miraculous healing is a possibility to day (With God all things are possible) In God's kingdom healing is not the priority. Priority goes to proclaiming Jesus Christ and his kingdom his rule in the good news of Jesus Christ

Have we a true sense of priority in our lives individually and for the church? Have we a sense of the underlying aim so that even the good does not undermine the best? Do we spend enough time, perhaps especially in the early morning just talking to God our Father about how things have been and where we should be going and what he wants us to do? Easier perhaps for some of us who are 'morning people' especially with dawn coming earlier these spring mornings (though Jesus got up while it was still dark) but if you are a 'night owl' then why not use the quietness of late at night? For if we spent more time with God, genuinely in his presence not simply rattling off a few prayers then we would hear the voice of Christ speaking with authority and more than we do, we would sense his healing touch and victory over evil.

In the stillness of the morning may your voice alone be heard.

In the quietness of your presence may we hear your living word.

In the oneness of the Spirit, we would wait upon you Lord.

In the stillness of the morning, may your blessing be outpoured.