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As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. (Mark 1:29-39)
The passage for this coming Sunday's lectionary reading is again from the Gospel of Mark, and it begins with a story that troubles some men; for Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. We've long heard jokes or comedic laments on those women who are the mothers of our brides, and I thank God for the one who birthed my wife, for she was as loving and sweet as could to be, never once giving me cause to label her as "one of those mother-in-laws." But you and I know most of those men may laugh at the jokes but know in their hearts they've been blessed too. Peter was one such man. As soon as he got word that she was sick he tells Jesus about her illness and takes Him to his home where Jesus heals her. A fever in those days was not easily remedied like most today with aspirin or a pain reliever; fevers were indications of something serious and Peter did not want his wife or family nor his mother-in-law to suffer. All Jesus had to do was to lift her up by the hand and she was healed. Reports of the healing spread and soon the community had brought to Jesus all who were sick or possessed with demons. It seemed as if the whole city was gathered at the door. Jesus "cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons," this time not letting the demons speak as one did in last week's gospel reading.
Early the next morning, Jesus found a quiet place where He could pray. He left Peter's house while it was till early and when everyone else was awake they came searching for him because "Everyone is searching for you." They choose to leave that town and go to the nearby towns as once again Jesus preaches and teaches about the Kingdom of God, healing those who were sick and again casting out demons.
What jumps out at me is Jesus' need for prayer. He needed that constant connection with God the Father so He could continue the work ever before Him. The messages He preached, the teachings, the healings, the deliverance of demons, all of these could not be done without major prayer time. In much the same way all we encounter from day to day requires our serious prayer time. We need to be connected like Jesus, and we might even do some of the things Jesus did because we are connected to God through our prayers.
PRAYER: Loving God, You who hear all prayer, listen as I ask for my strength to come from You as we pray. Help me to be connected to You and all that I need to do. Help me to be one who because I trust in You can face whatever may come into my life today. I seek to be faithful and fruitful. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Take/Make time to pray today and let it shine in all you do.
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Updates: Dear one, please use this time to pray for yourself and whatever perceived weaknesses you think you have in your daily walk with the Lord. Ask Him to strengthen and use you. Our prayers remain; we pray for the Ellis family as they will tomorrow worship God and thank God for the life of baby Joaquin Ellis. Prayers for Pastor Matt Pennington as he travels there tonight to be with Katrina and Brian Sherman. Prayers for Alison Davis, who left the hospital yesterday and is home; pray for her continued healing and strength. Pray for moms everywhere, pray for single moms who struggle mightily to feed, dress and nurture children, pray for moms in troubled relationships; pray for grandmothers who have stepped in to help. The prayers are after yesterday's sermon for moms, but we also pray for all women, and all men in whatever their challenges may be. May the Lord bless and keep you is my prayer for you.
