Pause

The Bible tells us that God was at work in Jesus, bringing about God’s will in the world.

But you may wonder just what that looks like. What was God up to in the life of Christ?

This time you have chosen to give yourself to quiet devotion may give you a clue. See if you can learn more about God now.

Listen

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.

Mark 1:29-31

Think

Today’s passage from Mark is near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He has just spent time teaching in the synagogue and healing people. He arrives at his friend’s house, but his work is not over.

Jesus came to heal people — not just physically, as in the case of Simon’s mother-in-law, but in a way that healed their souls as well. The passage says Jesus “took her by the hand and lifted her up.” I like to think that in times of hurt, Jesus lifts us up as well.

Simon’s mother-in-law felt better after Jesus healed her. She was also compelled to serve. When our hearts and minds are changed by Jesus, by an encounter with him, or by his healing presence, we are compelled to serve — to share that healing love with others. Whatever “healing” we might need, when we encounter Jesus, our lives are changed.

Susan Reed

Pray

God of healing, thank you for lifting me up in times of pain. Help me to accept your love and pass it on in service to others. Amen.

Go

Whatever you are facing,
No matter how hard the road,
Christ is still in Jesus,
Helping to carry your load.