Mark 8:22-26 -
22 And they *came to Bethsaida. And they *brought a blind man to Jesus and *implored Him to touch him. 23 Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” 25 Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. 26 And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Message: The Blind Man at Bethsaida
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Preface: After feeding 4,000, the disciples still talk among themselves when they get in the boat and realize they have no food. Jesus simply wants them to look to Him. He is there provider. He continues to show them his hand of providence in all things, they still struggle with anxiety and worry.
Now they (Jesus and the disciples) are in Bethsaida. Jesus was in the district of Dalmanutha, near Magdallan, just west of the Sea of Galilee. Bethsaida is north. There is not much distance between the two places. The sea of Galilee is 8 miles wide. My guess is that it is about 8 miles between the cities, perhaps one could get there in 1 day.
As he arrives, a blind man is brought to Jesus and they implored Him to touch him. The blind man didn't come to Jesus on his own, but was brought to him. He brought him out of the village. It is thought that the healing occurred outside of the City because Jesus was concerned about the town's unbelief and he would refuse to perform miracles before those who continued to not believe or accept His teachings. Jesus is ready to answer questions of anyone that asks, and yet answering people's questions is not his mission. He is on the scene to change hearts and those people's hearts just want to question, not necessarily be changed.
There has been a remark here that this particular healing is unique because of the stages. One, Taking the blind man by the hand. Two, He brought him out of the village. Three, spitting on his eyes. Fourth, laying His hands on him. It isn't immediate, but progressive. In other instances, by now, the person would be completely restored and yet, here, the person is not. As after doing all of this the man's sight was not fixed: “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” He has been spit on by Jesus and Jesus has laid his hands on him. Previously, a woman touching the cloak of Jesus brought about immediate healing. So Jesus does not embody a transformation. So, it isn't that all you have to do is touch him and you are saved, but Jesus has something to do with the healing, in his time.
There is a moment when Jesus decides to heal and sometimes he doesn't decide. Sometimes I wish the Gospel had a story about someone coming to Jesus and him not healing the person. Because it happens in life. Not everyone is healed. Some people implore him but are still not healed. And this is a hard thing at times to reconcile in our lives. And people not getting what they want, often results in no belief. People expect everyone to be viewed equally. But, in this lesson, perhaps is the reminder that Jesus makes the decision.
It states again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. Why did this healing need two touches? It didn't, but it seems Jesus was communicating something more here, perhaps to this man, perhaps to us, perhaps even to the disciples.
Also, the faith of the blind man is never mentioned here.
Summary: Jesus heals a blind man, outside of the City of Bethsaida, a place of unbelief, so he heals outside of those that would question him. He heals with progression, after placing his hand on the blind man two times. In the same way, we need to implore Jesus repeatedly.
Promise: God does not always do what we ask, when we ask; he has reasons. Healing can be a process. It can take time. It may not happen at all or in the manner we think it should.
Prayer: Lord, keep teaching me through these readings. As I read about the lessons you were teaching people at the time, you still can have a lesson for me today. I admit, at times, I do not understand the way you work, the suffering that people experience, the healing of some, but not of others. But, I am still a follower. My following isn't about you doing what I want, for you show me that I can trust You no matter what.
Showing posts with label Heal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heal. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Friday, February 16, 2018
Mark 5:30-34 - The Compassion of Christ
Mark 5:30-34
30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Message: The Compassion of Christ
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
As Jesus is headed to Jairus to see his daughter, in the crowds a woman suffering from a bloody hemorrhage condition wants to get to Jesus, just to touch him. She knows that this is all she needs, to touch Jesus and she will be healed. This section of the passage provides further detail to the compassion of Jesus in healing this lady.
On this day, I continue to think about the horrific act of violence that happened the other day, in our country, at a high school in Parkland, Florida, where a young man, with firearms, went to a school he attended and had been expelled, with the purpose of hurting others. He had been hurt and had felt like he had been failed. His livelihood, evidently, was that school and being there, and I'm guessing that since he couldn't be there anymore, he wanted the administration and other people to experience his pain and anger. So, in an effort to achieve the most deaths, he shot and killed 17 people. What a huge number and yet not the biggest school shooting, but rather the 2nd biggest in deaths.
We are a people struggling to know how to deal with issues when they don't go as we had planned. My son is in the process of coming off of a drug that has controlled him for many years. He is struggling right now with anger issues and seeing how little things can set him off. He has no outlet for his anger anymore or he has no way to harness it as the drug was calming himself down and providing him relief. O God, help our country, our young people, us, to find comfort and solace and peace in You. Peace is found nowhere else.
This woman in the crowd had complete confidence in Jesus and him being the one that could bring comfort and healing to her. You rescued her God and you can rescue others. I hurt for this community, these families that now will have to experience their lives without a child that meant the world to them. Bring comfort to the families for their pain will not be momentary, but will be lifelong. Help people to heal. Thank you for the police chief that called on the community, the nation to pray. Help us to be a nation that does pray. As a nation, after 9/11 we did so much to guard ourselves from the terrorists that would come into our country and yet, we now continue to struggle with terrorists within.
And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” At first, I see this as an odd statement, like the power that enveloped Jesus, he had no power for the way it left him. Yet, I think Jesus knew what had happened, but his question was for the benefit of the woman who thought that perhaps she go unnoticed by Jesus. And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” The disciples look at it from my perspective - how could Jesus single out one touch when multiple touches were occurring. The question seems strange and unnecessary by Jesus.
And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. Jesus, in looking around for the woman, had compassion and interest. But the woman, at that moment, almost like the fear that Eve might have had in the garden when she and Adam hid themselves with loin cloths, realizing for the 1st time that they had done something wrong -- this woman, at this moment, wonders if she also has done something wrong. She has been noticed. Perhaps she thought she could just anonymously grab a hold of a garment and then get away, be healed, and no one would notice. But, she didn't flee from him when she saw Jesus looking around, instead she came before him, fell down and told him the truth. Does not Jesus have this effect on people? IT is like a child not running from his parent, but instead falling down before them. Yet, this woman had not done anything wrong, but she didn't know that. But perhaps her appearance in public, due to her uncleanliness and the rules related to that, was her fear. There needed to be an acknowledgement from Jesus. She told him the truth. It is not enough for her to steal a touch, her lips must acknowledge before Jesus her condition and what she requests. Her words are not detailed, but it is said she told him the whole truth. She confessed to him.
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” And Jesus remarks to results: one, that her faith has made her well. But, this is mentioned separate from the healing of her disease. He also calls her daughter, a word of affection. He wants to show all these people that this unclean woman is a not simply another woman, but Jesus has affection for her. Who saved her? Jesus. How did this happen? Through faith. And now she can go forth in peace. There is no more stain on her, no more blemish, no more uncleanness. She is clean and healed.
Promise: God is all-powerful. Yet, he is tender to those who trust Him. He is powerful, but also a loving Father. He has tender care for His children.
Prayer: Lord God, I love this story. I love the faith that this woman has and shows us. She has confidence in You, a confidence that I want to have daily in my life. Thank you for caring for me and desiring to be close to me and showing me continually that you do want what is best for me. Sometimes that best hurts, but in the long-term you are growing me. Help me to continually trust You no matter what occurs. And help me to encourage others. We are a people in need of grace, your grace. Thank you for healing me and making me whole.
30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Message: The Compassion of Christ
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
As Jesus is headed to Jairus to see his daughter, in the crowds a woman suffering from a bloody hemorrhage condition wants to get to Jesus, just to touch him. She knows that this is all she needs, to touch Jesus and she will be healed. This section of the passage provides further detail to the compassion of Jesus in healing this lady.
On this day, I continue to think about the horrific act of violence that happened the other day, in our country, at a high school in Parkland, Florida, where a young man, with firearms, went to a school he attended and had been expelled, with the purpose of hurting others. He had been hurt and had felt like he had been failed. His livelihood, evidently, was that school and being there, and I'm guessing that since he couldn't be there anymore, he wanted the administration and other people to experience his pain and anger. So, in an effort to achieve the most deaths, he shot and killed 17 people. What a huge number and yet not the biggest school shooting, but rather the 2nd biggest in deaths.
We are a people struggling to know how to deal with issues when they don't go as we had planned. My son is in the process of coming off of a drug that has controlled him for many years. He is struggling right now with anger issues and seeing how little things can set him off. He has no outlet for his anger anymore or he has no way to harness it as the drug was calming himself down and providing him relief. O God, help our country, our young people, us, to find comfort and solace and peace in You. Peace is found nowhere else.
This woman in the crowd had complete confidence in Jesus and him being the one that could bring comfort and healing to her. You rescued her God and you can rescue others. I hurt for this community, these families that now will have to experience their lives without a child that meant the world to them. Bring comfort to the families for their pain will not be momentary, but will be lifelong. Help people to heal. Thank you for the police chief that called on the community, the nation to pray. Help us to be a nation that does pray. As a nation, after 9/11 we did so much to guard ourselves from the terrorists that would come into our country and yet, we now continue to struggle with terrorists within.
And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” At first, I see this as an odd statement, like the power that enveloped Jesus, he had no power for the way it left him. Yet, I think Jesus knew what had happened, but his question was for the benefit of the woman who thought that perhaps she go unnoticed by Jesus. And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” The disciples look at it from my perspective - how could Jesus single out one touch when multiple touches were occurring. The question seems strange and unnecessary by Jesus.
And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. Jesus, in looking around for the woman, had compassion and interest. But the woman, at that moment, almost like the fear that Eve might have had in the garden when she and Adam hid themselves with loin cloths, realizing for the 1st time that they had done something wrong -- this woman, at this moment, wonders if she also has done something wrong. She has been noticed. Perhaps she thought she could just anonymously grab a hold of a garment and then get away, be healed, and no one would notice. But, she didn't flee from him when she saw Jesus looking around, instead she came before him, fell down and told him the truth. Does not Jesus have this effect on people? IT is like a child not running from his parent, but instead falling down before them. Yet, this woman had not done anything wrong, but she didn't know that. But perhaps her appearance in public, due to her uncleanliness and the rules related to that, was her fear. There needed to be an acknowledgement from Jesus. She told him the truth. It is not enough for her to steal a touch, her lips must acknowledge before Jesus her condition and what she requests. Her words are not detailed, but it is said she told him the whole truth. She confessed to him.
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” And Jesus remarks to results: one, that her faith has made her well. But, this is mentioned separate from the healing of her disease. He also calls her daughter, a word of affection. He wants to show all these people that this unclean woman is a not simply another woman, but Jesus has affection for her. Who saved her? Jesus. How did this happen? Through faith. And now she can go forth in peace. There is no more stain on her, no more blemish, no more uncleanness. She is clean and healed.
Promise: God is all-powerful. Yet, he is tender to those who trust Him. He is powerful, but also a loving Father. He has tender care for His children.
Prayer: Lord God, I love this story. I love the faith that this woman has and shows us. She has confidence in You, a confidence that I want to have daily in my life. Thank you for caring for me and desiring to be close to me and showing me continually that you do want what is best for me. Sometimes that best hurts, but in the long-term you are growing me. Help me to continually trust You no matter what occurs. And help me to encourage others. We are a people in need of grace, your grace. Thank you for healing me and making me whole.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Mark 5:24b-29 - A Healing in the Crowd
Mark 5:24b-29
24 and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.
25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Message: A Healing in the Crowd
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Jairus has just presented himself before Jesus amidst a huge crowd and asked Jesus to come as his daughter is dying. Jesus is becoming much more popular. After having been in Gederanes with the demon possessed man, he returns to Capernaum where he will reside with the people. Capernaum was a fishing village with a population of 1500, much larger than Nazareth that probably had 400 people.
As Jesus goes to see the daughter of Jairus, a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. Again, we see Jesus' popularity as the crowd goes with Jesus. A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years was present. She was in continual menstruation. Under the old covenant, women were unclean during menstruation. In an unclean state, people are not able to assemble with the community or be in the sanctuary with people. Thus, this woman is alone most of the time or only able to be with others that are also unclean.
She had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse. It was her desire to be well. She was suffering much. She was wanting out of her situation and had spent all of her money getting relief, but in the end it just got worse. Not being well takes a toll on you. My wife has spent the last 45 days in a state of not being well. From flu-like symptoms to having MRSA appear and continue and then to also have an infection near her uterus, she has been suffering and weak and in a state of discomfort. Now, as she is getting better a new germ appears, a cold with sneezing and stuffy nose. It is back and she is miserable again. She is tired of the discomfort and misery that envelopes her. She just wants to see it end. She has gone to many doctors and yet she still has no relief. Sickness takes a toll on you. It is hard to be upbeat and not just linger in a state of misery. This woman was probably feeling this and this is something we all feel at certain times. Some spend much of their lives in this state.
But, after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Is this not one of the most remarkable testimonies of the confidence and faith that this woman has in Jesus? I think it is incredible. Just a touch of His garment is all that she is looking for. It is not to see him or speak to him, but just to touch his cloak. Wow. That is incredible faith. I feel like too often I'm waiting for Jesus to do something radical in my life before I have that kind of faith in Him. Isn't this what many people do? They want Jesus to something amazing first and then they will say they believe in Him. But, this woman instead knows with confidence that He is who He said and so all that she wants is to touch his outer garment.
Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Her faith made her well. She was healed.
Promise: This is amazing faith and faith that I want to have in Jesus. Jesus cleaned this unclean woman. The law could not do it, only Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, you are the great and wonderful One. Deepen my faith and confidence in You. Lord, I want to have the kind of faith as this woman in the crowd of you. Too often, I am not this way, waiting for you first to show up some way in my life before I say I believe. Lord, too often I feel like I have textbook knowledge of you and not active faith in the day to day of who You are and what you can do in my life. Change me God.
24 and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.
25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Message: A Healing in the Crowd
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Jairus has just presented himself before Jesus amidst a huge crowd and asked Jesus to come as his daughter is dying. Jesus is becoming much more popular. After having been in Gederanes with the demon possessed man, he returns to Capernaum where he will reside with the people. Capernaum was a fishing village with a population of 1500, much larger than Nazareth that probably had 400 people.
As Jesus goes to see the daughter of Jairus, a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. Again, we see Jesus' popularity as the crowd goes with Jesus. A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years was present. She was in continual menstruation. Under the old covenant, women were unclean during menstruation. In an unclean state, people are not able to assemble with the community or be in the sanctuary with people. Thus, this woman is alone most of the time or only able to be with others that are also unclean.
She had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse. It was her desire to be well. She was suffering much. She was wanting out of her situation and had spent all of her money getting relief, but in the end it just got worse. Not being well takes a toll on you. My wife has spent the last 45 days in a state of not being well. From flu-like symptoms to having MRSA appear and continue and then to also have an infection near her uterus, she has been suffering and weak and in a state of discomfort. Now, as she is getting better a new germ appears, a cold with sneezing and stuffy nose. It is back and she is miserable again. She is tired of the discomfort and misery that envelopes her. She just wants to see it end. She has gone to many doctors and yet she still has no relief. Sickness takes a toll on you. It is hard to be upbeat and not just linger in a state of misery. This woman was probably feeling this and this is something we all feel at certain times. Some spend much of their lives in this state.
But, after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Is this not one of the most remarkable testimonies of the confidence and faith that this woman has in Jesus? I think it is incredible. Just a touch of His garment is all that she is looking for. It is not to see him or speak to him, but just to touch his cloak. Wow. That is incredible faith. I feel like too often I'm waiting for Jesus to do something radical in my life before I have that kind of faith in Him. Isn't this what many people do? They want Jesus to something amazing first and then they will say they believe in Him. But, this woman instead knows with confidence that He is who He said and so all that she wants is to touch his outer garment.
Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Her faith made her well. She was healed.
Promise: This is amazing faith and faith that I want to have in Jesus. Jesus cleaned this unclean woman. The law could not do it, only Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, you are the great and wonderful One. Deepen my faith and confidence in You. Lord, I want to have the kind of faith as this woman in the crowd of you. Too often, I am not this way, waiting for you first to show up some way in my life before I say I believe. Lord, too often I feel like I have textbook knowledge of you and not active faith in the day to day of who You are and what you can do in my life. Change me God.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Mark 3:7-10 - Tares Among the Wheat
Mark 3:7-10
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea, 8 and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him. 9 And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him; 10 for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him.
Message: Tares Among the Wheat
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
As recorded in today's passage, in Mark 3:7-8 we see a great multitude....followed and how a great number of people heard of all that He was doing. Notice the passage is not speaking of what he said, but rather what he did. Mark mentions here that they weren't coming in masses because of what Jesus was saying, but rather, people heard of all that He was doing. It was his healing that often drew the crowd. There is no problem with this, but do people just want immediate healing or do they want their sins forgiven and their life changed even more by repenting and believing? Can people see the heart of the matter?
This is my take from this passage for it continues to say -- And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him. Jesus wanted to get on his way. for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him. It seems that Jesus desired to preach more than people simply touching him.
Do we just come to Jesus because he will take care of our current ailments? For me, what prompted me to come to Jesus was a fear of death. I was scared of what would happen to me when I die, so by trusting in Jesus I could know for sure that I would go to heaven. But, then I grew to understand better that coming to Jesus is to make me clean from the stain of my sin. In the same way, I think Jesus wants to give people the message of true repentance.
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea, 8 and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him. 9 And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him; 10 for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him.
Message: Tares Among the Wheat
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
It is clear from Mark's gospel that Jesus desires to preach the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 spoke of Jesus and his desire to preach the gospel, repent and believe. In addition to hearing the Gospel, this also showed Jesus' power. Healing people attracted many crowds of people. Yet, as was seen in Mark 1:35-38, Jesus went away to a secluded place to pray and then mentioned to the disciples that they could go to Capernaum so he could preach more. Jesus was obviously not opposed to healing people, but he wanted to see people come to understand the gospel.
In the gospels we continue to read different healings he performed. In Mark 3:1, it was healing a man with a withered hand and it happened to be on the Sabbath. .Much of chapter 2 is about Jesus' message being a new message, that was different from the traditions of the past and working on the Sabbath is an example. People missed the message because they were caught up in the ritual of Sabbath keeping and abstaining from work. There is clearly a tendency in people to not be in relationship with Jesus, but instead be about duty and rules. And this passage also emphasizes the danger of following Jesus only to be around the supernatural.
As recorded in today's passage, in Mark 3:7-8 we see a great multitude....followed and how a great number of people heard of all that He was doing. Notice the passage is not speaking of what he said, but rather what he did. Mark mentions here that they weren't coming in masses because of what Jesus was saying, but rather, people heard of all that He was doing. It was his healing that often drew the crowd. There is no problem with this, but do people just want immediate healing or do they want their sins forgiven and their life changed even more by repenting and believing? Can people see the heart of the matter?
This is my take from this passage for it continues to say -- And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him. Jesus wanted to get on his way. for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him. It seems that Jesus desired to preach more than people simply touching him.
Do we just come to Jesus because he will take care of our current ailments? For me, what prompted me to come to Jesus was a fear of death. I was scared of what would happen to me when I die, so by trusting in Jesus I could know for sure that I would go to heaven. But, then I grew to understand better that coming to Jesus is to make me clean from the stain of my sin. In the same way, I think Jesus wants to give people the message of true repentance.
We need to evaluate our motives for coming to Jesus. The gospel should be at the forefront of our reason for coming to him. For instance, currently, I don't have any nagging ailments or problems or diseases in my life. I don't have any big discomforts. Life is good and fairly problem free. I wonder if my life was different, if my approach to things would be different. I sure hope it wouldn't, but it is hard to say when life gets surrounded by pain and discomfort. I know that cold that I had for the last 2 weeks, I just wanted it out of my life as quick as possible and so went to the doctor 2 days ago, got the medicine and now I'm feeling better. Even my foot that has been a problem since August is now doing better. But many live with hurts and heartaches most of their life. Like my friend Scott, and yet he remains in right relationship with you. So I can understand the problem that is in Jesus' day and our day as well and how people just want to get relieved of their discomfort. But we need to look at Jesus and his message - repent and believe. We need to be reminded that our chief desire is to turn from our sin. Forgiveness is what we need.
Promise: Let us live our lives doing the things that matter most, ministry, discipleship, serving, loving God and desiring to give glory to Him in all we do and trust Him with our life. And then trust him for the outcomes of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, you are good and glorious. I pray that I would be reminded each day to come to you with a desire to repent, believe and continue to follow you. I thank you for this message. I continue to stumble at times. I continue to struggle with just wanting personal satisfaction and joy and entertainment. I want what I think is due to me and along the way sin can creep into my life. Help me to honor you, even in the private and quiet moments, when no one is looking. I want to be a true disciple, not just one when everything seems easy.
Promise: Let us live our lives doing the things that matter most, ministry, discipleship, serving, loving God and desiring to give glory to Him in all we do and trust Him with our life. And then trust him for the outcomes of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, you are good and glorious. I pray that I would be reminded each day to come to you with a desire to repent, believe and continue to follow you. I thank you for this message. I continue to stumble at times. I continue to struggle with just wanting personal satisfaction and joy and entertainment. I want what I think is due to me and along the way sin can creep into my life. Help me to honor you, even in the private and quiet moments, when no one is looking. I want to be a true disciple, not just one when everything seems easy.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Mark 2:6-12 - Forgiveness and Healing
Mark 2:6-12
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Message: Forgiveness and Healing
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Let's remember where we are. Jesus is ministering in the Village of Capernaum, which is northern part of Sea of Galilee. Four men were carrying a paralytic man to Jesus, and because of the crowds, they lowered this man through a room and Jesus responded first to the man by saying, "Your sins are forgiven." Well, these are not welcome words to the Jewish scribes that heard of this and that is where we are now in verse 6.
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Message: Forgiveness and Healing
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Let's remember where we are. Jesus is ministering in the Village of Capernaum, which is northern part of Sea of Galilee. Four men were carrying a paralytic man to Jesus, and because of the crowds, they lowered this man through a room and Jesus responded first to the man by saying, "Your sins are forgiven." Well, these are not welcome words to the Jewish scribes that heard of this and that is where we are now in verse 6.
Here, in this passage, is the first time, in a way that Jesus gets more radical with his message, from Mark's perspective. So far he has told people he will preach the gospel of repentance and believe and that will be his primary mission. As he goes forth he also heals people. He heals one and the news quickly spreads for more to be healed. But upon speaking to the lowered paralytic he first focuses on the faith of his friends remarking that because of their faith and strong conviction the paralytic will be healed.
And now scribes, I suppose listening in, are focused on the words that Jesus is going to forgive this man's sins. While others simply accepted his words, the scribes are hearing something different and so they are reasoning in their hearts. The scribes custom is to speak on behalf of someone else's authority, namely the rabbi's. But this man was not a rabbi although he spoke like one. Whereby the rabbi reasoned through what God was saying, this man was speaking as if he had the same authority of God - able to forgive sins.
And now scribes, I suppose listening in, are focused on the words that Jesus is going to forgive this man's sins. While others simply accepted his words, the scribes are hearing something different and so they are reasoning in their hearts. The scribes custom is to speak on behalf of someone else's authority, namely the rabbi's. But this man was not a rabbi although he spoke like one. Whereby the rabbi reasoned through what God was saying, this man was speaking as if he had the same authority of God - able to forgive sins.
So Jesus poses a question to them - Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? So what is Jesus's point here? He seems to be saying, which is easier -- or which is harder -- be healed or your sins are forgiven?
Jesus first addresses his heart. Jesus dealt first with the most important problem in his life - the need for forgiveness. I am thinking if you and I witnessed this we would be amazed at the healing, but Jesus wants us to see first -- forgiveness. This is the message that John preached prior to Jesus coming on the scene - forgiveness of sins. And after forgiveness he heals the paralytic, to which the people exclaimed “We have never seen anything like this.” The people appear to marvel at the healing, and yet "forgiveness" is what surprised the scribes the most.
Jesus is saying that what is most important in this man's life is having his sins forgiven. I think he is saying that the man's real need is to have his sins be forgiven. This is the authority he came to earth to do - forgive sins. This is the message John focused on preparing his way - forgive sins. And this is what this man needs more than anything else, for the healing of paralysis is temporary, only for this life, but the forgiveness of sins will last for eternity. The scribes were making the assertion that Jesus was blaspheming God, doing something that only God can do.
Promise: Forgiveness is our greatest need. Disease, depression, sorrow, poverty, injustice, and all other ills are true needs; ultimately, however, all these ills exist because sin has corrupted creation. Not all of our problems are caused by our specific sins, but all of them are due to the fact that we live in a fallen world and suffer from sin’s corruption. If we are not saved from our sins, any fix to these problems is temporary and hell awaits us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for always getting to heart of the matter. Thank you Lord for coming to forgive sins. O Lord I pray that people everywhere will embrace this and realize that this is our greatest need, not simply for a better temporary life, but for a better eternity. Forgiveness is the key. Bring this understanding to people everywhere.
Jesus is saying that what is most important in this man's life is having his sins forgiven. I think he is saying that the man's real need is to have his sins be forgiven. This is the authority he came to earth to do - forgive sins. This is the message John focused on preparing his way - forgive sins. And this is what this man needs more than anything else, for the healing of paralysis is temporary, only for this life, but the forgiveness of sins will last for eternity. The scribes were making the assertion that Jesus was blaspheming God, doing something that only God can do.
Promise: Forgiveness is our greatest need. Disease, depression, sorrow, poverty, injustice, and all other ills are true needs; ultimately, however, all these ills exist because sin has corrupted creation. Not all of our problems are caused by our specific sins, but all of them are due to the fact that we live in a fallen world and suffer from sin’s corruption. If we are not saved from our sins, any fix to these problems is temporary and hell awaits us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for always getting to heart of the matter. Thank you Lord for coming to forgive sins. O Lord I pray that people everywhere will embrace this and realize that this is our greatest need, not simply for a better temporary life, but for a better eternity. Forgiveness is the key. Bring this understanding to people everywhere.
Question -- My guess is I might be more marveled by someone getting healed from being paralyzed than someone telling that man his sins were forgiven. Probably because I can see healing and not forgiven sins, but Jesus wants us to be amazed at forgiveness more. How do we change our thinking so that forgiveness is a bigger deal to us?
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Mark 2:1-5 - The Faith of the Friends
Mark 2:1-5
When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Message: The Faith of the Friends
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
What catches me first about this passage, that I really haven't seen before is Jesus is back in Capernaum and he is preaching, speaking the word to people. This is his overriding mission, to share the truth of God with people.
Overall, this has always been an interesting text to me because of how Jesus heals a man based upon the faith of his friends. The friends are tenacious as well and make a way where there seems to be no way in lowering this paralytic down. And while it says that the man's sins are forgiven, previously we have seen that Jesus sees the problem that has resulted from sin being in the world and that is people have problems, some of the diseases and some of them life-long ailments, like being paralyzed. So, by saying your sins are forgiven, it could also mean that the paralyzed man is healed. I'm not sure, because this doesn't happen always in real life - today.
This is likely at the home of Simon (Peter) and Andrew.
Promise: These men were so sure of Jesus' ability that they would stop at nothing to see Him. May we pursue our Savior with such fervent faith.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of faith. Thank you for the confidence that is found in people and the way you change lives through fervency of others. I praise you for my Mom and her praying for me and continuing to commit to pray. Thank you for the faith of her mom and her continual confidence in You. There is power in your name and you are to continually praised.
When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Message: The Faith of the Friends
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
What catches me first about this passage, that I really haven't seen before is Jesus is back in Capernaum and he is preaching, speaking the word to people. This is his overriding mission, to share the truth of God with people.
Overall, this has always been an interesting text to me because of how Jesus heals a man based upon the faith of his friends. The friends are tenacious as well and make a way where there seems to be no way in lowering this paralytic down. And while it says that the man's sins are forgiven, previously we have seen that Jesus sees the problem that has resulted from sin being in the world and that is people have problems, some of the diseases and some of them life-long ailments, like being paralyzed. So, by saying your sins are forgiven, it could also mean that the paralyzed man is healed. I'm not sure, because this doesn't happen always in real life - today.
This is likely at the home of Simon (Peter) and Andrew.
An evangelist of today tells that, after one of his meetings, he observed that a little girl kept her seat after all others had left. Thinking that the child was asleep, he stepped forward to awaken her, but found she was praying that God would send her drunken father to that meeting-house that very night, there to be converted. The evangelist waited, and soon a man came rushing in from the street and knelt trembling at the child's side. He had been brought there by a sudden impulse which he could not resist, and then and there he found Christ. The child's faith was honored in the conversion of her father. -- Sunday School Times
Promise: These men were so sure of Jesus' ability that they would stop at nothing to see Him. May we pursue our Savior with such fervent faith.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of faith. Thank you for the confidence that is found in people and the way you change lives through fervency of others. I praise you for my Mom and her praying for me and continuing to commit to pray. Thank you for the faith of her mom and her continual confidence in You. There is power in your name and you are to continually praised.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Mark 1:40-45 - The Disobedient Leper
Mark 1:40-45
40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Message: The Disobedient Leper
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
At first glance, when I look at this passage, I see that on the heels of Mark mentioning that Jesus' purpose in ministry is to preach the gospel, the next scene Mark gives us is of a man being healed. The man comes to Jesus basically begging to be healed, believing that Jesus can heal. He doesn't give Jesus his sob story, but simply states that If you are willing (or I believe you have the power), you can make me clean. Jesus obliges I am willing; be cleansed, and the man is healed. And then in response Jesus gives him a command. Now, isn't this similar to what Jesus asks of each of us. Each person comes to Jesus and believes in him and then Jesus blesses them. Jesus doesn't ask each person to do something first and then he blessed, but Jesus simply blesses. But, afterwards he does ask something of this man and asks something of us, his followers.
He tells him to: (1) say nothing to anyone, (2) go to the priest, (3) make an offering. But instead the man goes and spreads the news. And Jesus has to retreat to smaller villages to continue his mission. Jesus loves people. He has a compassion to heal them, but he also has a mission and he understands that many will not approve of him.
Old Testament Law had very specific rules about lepers. Lepers had to take precautions to prevent the spread of their disease. They had live outside the camp, away from God's special presence. The leper could only re-enter the camp once healed - but this re-entry was preceded by the priest conducting a close investigation of the leprous man or woman and offer sacrifices to restore the person to ritual purity. In Old Testament law, purity was obtained through sacrifices. It is interesting that this is the command that Jesus gives. The priests could not heal, but their intent was to confirm the healing and restore them to purity. So while Jesus healed this man, he intended the man to go the priest ready to be restored, not mentioning how he had been cleaned, but to take the proper procedures to re-enter the city. He wanted the man to follow the correct procedures and keep his healing a secret, in a way.
Thus, Mark does communicate here that Jesus does continue to have a mission, but he also brings to the attention that people are enthralled and amazed and see the potential of saving their ailments at the hands of the healing master Jesus. But, Jesus is still about his purpose and thus, everything he continues to do is to preserve that purpose.
Promise: Jesus hates what sin has done to his creation, and He is full of compassion for those who suffer the effects of the fall. Despite knowing what this man will do, the Lord heals him anyway, which is a remarkable display of His patience, compassion, and grace to undeserving sinners.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being about compassion. Thank you for loving your people. And thank you for having a purpose. Lord, there will be different times that I am sidetracked throughout my day, but keep me focused on You and Your purposes and Your plans in my life. I am on mission to proclaim You, but I also have responsibilities in life. Keep me focused. Thank you for your example and showing me the way.
40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Message: The Disobedient Leper
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
At first glance, when I look at this passage, I see that on the heels of Mark mentioning that Jesus' purpose in ministry is to preach the gospel, the next scene Mark gives us is of a man being healed. The man comes to Jesus basically begging to be healed, believing that Jesus can heal. He doesn't give Jesus his sob story, but simply states that If you are willing (or I believe you have the power), you can make me clean. Jesus obliges I am willing; be cleansed, and the man is healed. And then in response Jesus gives him a command. Now, isn't this similar to what Jesus asks of each of us. Each person comes to Jesus and believes in him and then Jesus blesses them. Jesus doesn't ask each person to do something first and then he blessed, but Jesus simply blesses. But, afterwards he does ask something of this man and asks something of us, his followers.
He tells him to: (1) say nothing to anyone, (2) go to the priest, (3) make an offering. But instead the man goes and spreads the news. And Jesus has to retreat to smaller villages to continue his mission. Jesus loves people. He has a compassion to heal them, but he also has a mission and he understands that many will not approve of him.
Old Testament Law had very specific rules about lepers. Lepers had to take precautions to prevent the spread of their disease. They had live outside the camp, away from God's special presence. The leper could only re-enter the camp once healed - but this re-entry was preceded by the priest conducting a close investigation of the leprous man or woman and offer sacrifices to restore the person to ritual purity. In Old Testament law, purity was obtained through sacrifices. It is interesting that this is the command that Jesus gives. The priests could not heal, but their intent was to confirm the healing and restore them to purity. So while Jesus healed this man, he intended the man to go the priest ready to be restored, not mentioning how he had been cleaned, but to take the proper procedures to re-enter the city. He wanted the man to follow the correct procedures and keep his healing a secret, in a way.
Thus, Mark does communicate here that Jesus does continue to have a mission, but he also brings to the attention that people are enthralled and amazed and see the potential of saving their ailments at the hands of the healing master Jesus. But, Jesus is still about his purpose and thus, everything he continues to do is to preserve that purpose.
Promise: Jesus hates what sin has done to his creation, and He is full of compassion for those who suffer the effects of the fall. Despite knowing what this man will do, the Lord heals him anyway, which is a remarkable display of His patience, compassion, and grace to undeserving sinners.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being about compassion. Thank you for loving your people. And thank you for having a purpose. Lord, there will be different times that I am sidetracked throughout my day, but keep me focused on You and Your purposes and Your plans in my life. I am on mission to proclaim You, but I also have responsibilities in life. Keep me focused. Thank you for your example and showing me the way.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Mark 1:29-34 - Healings in Capernaum
Mark 1:29-34
29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. 31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.
32 When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city had gathered at the door. 34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
Message: Healings in Capernaum
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have just left Jesus exorcising a demon from a man in the synagogue. Jesus is getting personal now. He began with the message - repent and believe - and then he called his disciples to be fishers of men. He shared in the synagogue, speaking with authority and along the way, engages with a man with an unclean spirit (possessed) and removes that spirit from him with only a word. Now, he goes to the house of Simon (the Apostle Peter) and Andrew (both his called disciples) with James and John as well coming along, he comes to a sick woman (Simon's mother-in-law) and heals her. Her response is noted - she serves him. Obviously, this type of healing begins to get everyone's attention as news of this spreads and soon many are coming to him to be healed, putting their faith in him (I would imagine).
A couple of notes:
Promise: Jesus continues to be personal, this time healing his disciples' mother-in-law
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your healing touch on our lives and knowing the right time when to reveal yourself to people.
29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. 31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.
32 When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city had gathered at the door. 34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
Message: Healings in Capernaum
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
I have just left Jesus exorcising a demon from a man in the synagogue. Jesus is getting personal now. He began with the message - repent and believe - and then he called his disciples to be fishers of men. He shared in the synagogue, speaking with authority and along the way, engages with a man with an unclean spirit (possessed) and removes that spirit from him with only a word. Now, he goes to the house of Simon (the Apostle Peter) and Andrew (both his called disciples) with James and John as well coming along, he comes to a sick woman (Simon's mother-in-law) and heals her. Her response is noted - she serves him. Obviously, this type of healing begins to get everyone's attention as news of this spreads and soon many are coming to him to be healed, putting their faith in him (I would imagine).
A couple of notes:
- This passage mentions Peter's mother-in-law which means Peter was married. Thus, Jesus chose a married man to be an apostle.
- Andrew seems to also be living with Simon in the same house
- Immediately into the house, immediately to the matter, immediately healed.
- Mark does note that they came after sundown, thus after the Sabbath day had been completed, as these people still felt like this type of work should not be done until the Sabbath was over. \
- The demons were muzzled
- At various times in the gospels, Jesus does not permit people to speak about him being the Messiah. Jesus did not desire at this time for this to be known by all the people. Therefore, he imposed silence on the evil spirits.
Exorcisms and healing's are supernatural events. Naturally, upon reading these one has a desire to see these events duplicated. This what is recorded as "they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those demon-possessed." But going beyond the account, Jesus saw a need and met it and those people were forever changed.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your healing touch on our lives and knowing the right time when to reveal yourself to people.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Jesus Calling: December 13
Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use. That is what these quiet moments in My Presence are accomplishing within you. As you focus your mind and heart on Me, you are being transformed: re-created into the one I designed you to be. This process requires blocks of time set aside for communion with Me.2 Thessalonians 1:10
The benefits of this practice are limitless. Emotional and physical healing are enhanced by your soaking in the Light of My Presence. You experience a nearness to Me that strengthens your faith and fills you with Peace. You open yourself up to receive the many blessings that I have prepared for you. You become a cleaned temple of My Holy Spirit, who is able to do in and through you immeasurably more than you ask or imagine. These are just some of the benefits of being still in My Presence.
English Standard Version
when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
Psalm 27:4
English Standard Version
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19
English Standard Version
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
Ephesians 3:20
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
My Prayer
I was reminded today that Jesus went off to a secluded place to recharge himself, so the Father would confirm his mission of preaching the Gospel. Lord, I need this each day. It is too easy to get distracted in this world. I want to be guided by your power, to be led by Your Spirit, to dwell in the house of the Lord, and to glorify You God. Make me holy.
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Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Proverbs 3:7-8 - Being Truly Wise
Proverbs 3:7-8
What the Lord is Saying:
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.
Message: True Wisdom comes from Fearing the Lord
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
In your own eyes
The immediate danger in this verse is--do not think you know more about you and what God has created, the now and the future, than God. God knows. This is hard, but we need a perspective and a lifestyle that believes that I do not "know it all." Don't be a know it all. Make sure my wisdom is coming from the Lord and is from His perspective.
Turn away from evil
We turn from evil because we fear the Lord. We do not want to take our chances with evil and its ways. Instead, we are to fear the Lord. The contrast from being wise is to fear the Lord. It is me recognizing that the Lord is in control. And then evil, by any time (even being wise in my own eyes) is something I turn away from. I hate evil. It has such a hold on me. There are certain vices which I just keep wandering back to. But, I need to turn.
Result: Healing and Refreshment
Here we have a natural result or promise of God. When we have a proper position before the Lord, we reap benefits from him. Our body is healed and our body is refreshed.We strive for this healing so much in our life and it is present in simple self-change. Healing comes about when we fear the Lord; when we are not wise in our own eyes. This is healing. This is when I am most refreshed, when I see things from His perspective.
Promise: Fear the Lord and be refreshed
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Psalm 6 - A Prayer for Deliverance
Psalm 6 - 1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long? 4 Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes. 8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
Message: A Prayer for Deliverance
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a
thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been
compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor
shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
I am not sure what exactly (nor are the commentators) the writer of this Psalm (probably David) is experiencing upon him voicing this prayer. But, he felt like it was important to write down and record. He was obviously feeling a deep sense of hurt. It may not been because of any sin in his own life for he does not mention any sin.
O Lord, I am at a low point and while there are times when I need your correction and rebuke because of the sin in my life, I ask that you not correct me right now. This world I live in is corrupt and foul mouthed and disregards you over and over, in more ways than one. You deserve to give wrath and anger, but I ask you withhold it from me at this time. Be gracious to me O Lord for I am at a loss of spirit and vigor. Heal me, for my body aches. And my soul is greatly troubled. Lord, how long? How long must I stay in this state? How long do I stay in this condition?Turn me around. Deliver my life. Save me for the sake of your never-ending Love. You are a God who is to remembered and to be praised, but if I die I cannot do this, and I want to continue to do this. I don't want to wade through the waters of my own misery, but rather I want to turn my focus on You and remember all of the things you have done for me, praising You.My moaning continues. My bed is filled with my tears as I cry myself to sleep. My outlook on life is one of despair and grief. All I can see many times is my enemies or my foes. "Depart from me, all you evil ones, for the Lord hears me and hears me in my weeping. You work evil out, but God is near me." Thank you God for hearing me and thank you God for accepting my prayer. My my enemies be ashamed of their conduct. May the wicked fail in their schemes, immediately. May there ways be confused right now, so they don't continue in their wrath, but it stops, right now.
Promise: God is there in moments of feeling defeated.
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