Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-3, Psalm 119:105-112, Luke 4:38-44, Philippians 1:1-11 Luke 4:38-44: We see Jesus healing again—note the distinction between a healing (4:38-39) and demon possession (4:40-41)—and this time he is in the home of Simon and heals his mother-in-law. They appealed to him, and at a word of command she is healed. “Immediately.” When God says the word, it is as good as done; at the time he wants it done, it is so. God said, “Let there be light,” and it was light. Jesus said that the fever must leave, and it left. Note: the mother-in-law’s response: “Immediately she rose and began to serve them.” When someone is saved by Jesus, their inevitable, and indeed immediate, response is to want to serve Jesus and his people. Who his love cannot tell, who the wonders of his grace cannot proclaim, once we have tasted of that honey, we want to share the good news with all around and serve the great purpose of the kingdom of God. Others then crowd the house, and he lays hands on them and heals them. What power is this! What an extraordinary person is this! The demons are silent, the sick are healed, the sinners are saved. Worship Christ, the Living and Loving Lord of All! Note how Jesus sets a model for withdrawal from service as well as active service. He “went into a desolate place.” Those who serve hard must find time to rest. Six days we shall labor, but on the seventh we are to rest. There is a natural rhythm to life whereby we are more productive, not less productive, if we take the time to give our minds time to recuperate and our bodies time to renew. Still, the people find him, and they would keep him all to themselves. But Jesus knows that his mission is for the whole world, and he must go to the other towns also. The gospel is for sharing, not for keeping. The gospel has in its nature a desire to grow and expand and increase the kingdom of God. Jesus, note, was a preacher. He preached the good news of the kingdom, the reign of Jesus, God’s Messiah King, and he preached in the synagogues of Judea. Preaching was not invented by Victorian churches but goes back to Jesus and is modeled by Jesus. Make sure that you have in your schedule a blank space, an empty space, a time just to worship Jesus and enjoy him. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>