Have you ever witnessed a healing or a demonic possession? I haven’t either, in person. I have heard of them from many friends, and I recently saw a video of a little boy being healed of cerebral palsy in Puerto Rico. God’s power is alive and well.
Here we go, Jesus’ ministry was just beginning, and he was beginning to test the power he had inside that came from above. While Jesus was fully human, yet he was also fully divine.
After leaving Nazareth, he ended up in Capernaum, about a 9 hour hike (today by road). From the sounds of it, he spent some time there teaching weekly in the synagogue. “Once”, indicating it happened during this time or another time and place, we hear of the demon possessed man being healed. Did you notice that the demon speaking knew Jesus was the Holy One of God? Yet, the demon taunted and was called out, never to bother that man again. To see that had to stir amazement and awe. It would for me.
We also see an encounter with Jesus and Simon, who he would later nickname Peter and be one of his closest friends. Simon’s mother was ill. I never question Jesus’ ability to heal, but each time I read that she gets up immediately and makes everyone a meal, I always smile, maybe even snicker a bit. She was hospitality personified. I think we all know people like her that are jazzed by being able to serve others.
Seeing Jesus needing quiet time with God was probably the most striking part of today’s reading. We all need to find time in our busy lives to spend with God.
Do you have a special time set aside each day? Do you have a favorite place you like to go…like the beach, or in a comfy chair, or nestled near a warm fire. Find your place to spend with God and make it a priority.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for a new day and a new opportunity. There is so much potential laying ahead of me. I can’t wait to see what you are going to do. how are you going to use me today? Who will I encounter that needs a word from you? When I meet them, help me know what to say. May I be even more intentional in the days ahead to spend time with you and truly relish your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
