healing – Page 4 – Be Still…

Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!

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. Continue reading “Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!”

Mark 9:14-29 – Stronger Faith

Read Mark 9:14-29

Today’s reading happens directly after yesterday’s in real time. In case you missed yesterday, it’s the story of the transfiguration where Jesus took the inner circle (Peter, James and John) up the mountain where they experienced something miraculous, leaving them a bit awestruck.

We often experience those mountaintop experiences in our lives. Maybe after a wonderful worship service, a spiritual healing, a large worship concert, or conference with other believers. When we come back to reality, the every day routine, re-entry can often be challenging. We don’t want to lose that feeling.

Here, Jesus and the disciples had to assimilate very quickly as there was a crowd waiting. From our readings in Mark, it seems like this is an every day occurrence that people are clamoring for Jesus’ attention with one need or another. It may seem like that still today as we lift our prayers up, asking God for this or for that to make our lives better.

Our prayers should be more than that, shouldn’t they? I read an interesting statement once, and I may have even used this in my marketing. It went something like this: “What if we woke up tomorrow with ONLY who and what we prayed for today?” That includes God. We need to never forget to whom we are praying.

He is worthy of our praise, and our praise should not be reserved for Sunday mornings. It’s an every day, every minute kind of thing. It should be our #1 purpose–to love and worship God at all times.

In our reading today, the frantic father cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” It would probably do us all good to make this cry part of our daily prayer.

Prayer is powerful. Our conversations with God are what keep us connected. We see another example of how powerful prayer is right here in today’s reading. The disciples had tried to heal the boy but failed. Jesus seemed a little impatient with them (but remember he is just back from a mountaintop experience). Jesus later told them what they had missed in their attempt. Prayer. Those stubborn demons require prayer to flee.

What demons are burdening you today? In the name of Jesus, and with prayer and belief, command them to flee.

Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you on bended knee, again humbled by your majesty and provision. Shield my heart from unclean thoughts and selfish desires. I long to know you more and share with others what you have done for me. May my life reflect you in all I say and do. I thank you for the mountaintop experiences I have had recently. I pray that as I get back to reality you will help me not be discouraged but instead to keep pushing forward. The best is yet to come, and I look forward to how you are going to use me and my voice. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 5:21-43 – Are You Sleeping?

Read Mark 5:21-43

Walking with the disciples through Jesus’ life, watching the events unfold, is such a blessing. The Bible brings it all to life as we read these accounts so many years later. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve watched a number of Jesus movies over the years, or watched a video Bible series, but the stories seem more real to me than ever.

I like to be around people, but I don’t think you could say I’m a crowd person anymore. Jesus is encountering one crowd after another it seems, and we do know that he cherishes his time with his Father in prayer.

Today’s reading focuses on two very different people with two very different needs. What they have in common is faith. The woman’s faith was so strong, she believed that if only she could touch Jesus’ robe she would be healed. Imagine her drive and her focus. In this crowd, she had to find her way through the sea of people just to be near Jesus.

In her desperation she received healing. As Jesus put it, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” How do you think she was feeling as the sickness left her body? I can almost sense the peace myself as I imagine.

And then we have Jairus. He comes in search of Jesus as a distraught father wanting to see his daughter healed. As a parent, I know how hard it is when our children are sick. We feel helpless, powerless to make it better. Watching our children suffer is so hard, especially when they are very young and unable to tell us how they are feeling.

What anguish Jairus must have felt when his messengers arrived to say his daughter had died. Jesus didn’t let one second go by but intervened giving Jairus hope once again. The story comes to a climax when Jairus’ daughter comes to life. Jesus had said she was only asleep.

How many of us need to wake up? Are we asleep, missing out on the benefits of being a follower of Jesus? Do we need Jesus to intervene in us, to cleanse our hearts and minds to be open to his glorious future for us? Take a moment to close your eyes and picture Jesus coming to you in this moment, taking your hand, bringing you into an embrace.

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for the peace you give. When I am feeling lost and alone, you perk me up. I pray that I would have the faith of the woman in the story knowing without a doubt that every need I have will be handled by you. Forgive me when I try to do everything on my own power. I know I am so much more effective when your power is leading me. Guide my steps this day and be present in all conversations. May I shine with your glorious light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 5:1-20 – Watch Out Pigs!

Read Mark 5:1-20

Jesus is at it again, talking with demons and casting them out. This story appears in both the gospels of Matthew and Luke as well, placed right after the account of Jesus calming the storm. Of interest is that in Matthew’s telling there are two men who meet Jesus, whereas Luke and Mark report only one. The accounts of Luke and Mark are very similar in every other way. Whether there were one or two men, the story and takeaways here are still the same.

This is another story that is very easy to imagine playing out. Mark does a good job of setting the scene; I can almost picture the demon possessed man living amidst the graves.

Was there anything that struck you in today’s reading? I had two things actually. The first was again to marvel at how the demons know EXACTLY who Jesus is, the son of God. They fear him and know he has power over them. This is wisdom we should also possess, knowing Jesus is God, and he has power to dispel the evil from our hearts as well.

Do you fear being cleansed of your evil thoughts or sinfulness? Sad to say some people do fear being restored because they have lived so long with the pain they can’t imagine what life would be like without it. It’s almost like they aren’t going to be happy unless they are unhappy. Does that make sense? Have you known people like that?

The other thing that struck me in the reading today is that Jesus gave the man permission to tell others what had happened. After other healing stories or miracles, Jesus has told them not to tell. I’m not sure what the significance here is. Perhaps it is because they are in Gentile territory (across from Galilee)?

There may also be something to the fact that Jesus chose to heal this man of his affliction. The man did not ask for healing, quite the contrary. Jesus will move when he sees the need and wants to use the situation. He sent this man on a mission to tell of the mercy God had shown. Others witnessing the event were only focused on the pigs demise and their fear of Jesus. They didn’t seem to care that their friend or countryman had been cured. This man’s testimony would set the record straight.

How are we giving our testimony to what Jesus has done for us? Do we keep silent?

Let’s pray. Lord I thank you for all that you are doing in my life. I am always amazed at the beautiful plans you have for me, so much better than the ones I had. Help me in setting goals that glorify you. Lord, I need your help to reach those goals. Fill me with the power that moved mountains. I want to make a difference in the lives of others. Show me the people to reach for you and prepare their hearts to hear and not fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 1:29-45 – Healing Touch

Read Mark 1:29-45

I’m curious – what verse in today’s reading really spoke to you? There are so many that spoke to me. Feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

So it seems like today’s reading picks up immediately following the last where Jesus has encountered an evil spirit and called him out. Now it appears that Jesus’ disciples are going to take a bit of a rest at Simon and Andrew’s home. I note that there are only four disciples at this point: James, John, Andrew and Simon (Peter). We also learn here that Simon has a mother-in-law, which would mean he also has a wife. She is not mentioned.

I have always been tickled when I picture the mother-in-law being healed and instantly responding by making a meal. Does this resonate with anyone? Are you the meal provider in your house? What happens when you get sick?

For anyone wanting to count the number of miracles or healings that Jesus performed, this passage makes it nearly impossible. Apparently word spread quickly about the happenings in the synagogue, as Jesus was bombarded with sick and demon possessed people. What was his response? Heal them and make them whole.

Another nugget for me in this reading starts in verse 35 when Jesus gets away from it all for some quiet time. We are told from the time we are children that we should “be like Jesus”, and this is one great example for us. Find a quiet place where you are able to shut out the world and all distractions and spend time with God. If Jesus needed it, we must all the more need it. I know my days are so much better when I am grounded first. Some people have their quiet time at night – how much better their sleep and rest will be. The key – spend quiet time away from the noise of life.

Finally, what do you think about Jesus’ words to the man healed of leprosy? Jesus told him “sternly” not to tell anyone about this, and gave him the requirements that needed to be done. Did the man listen? Apparently not as it says he went out and spread the word, telling “everybody” what had happened.

Why do you think he didn’t listen to Jesus’ instructions?

What he did do is something we have a hard time doing. That is telling everyone about what Jesus has done for us. Why is that? Do we think we don’t have a good enough story? What is your story?

The important thing to remember is who the subject of our story is. It is Jesus. It is what Jesus did, not what we did. We got the benefit of what Jesus did, but the hero is Jesus. Sometimes when we frame it like that it is easier to say because we can take a little of the attention away from us. Jesus loved us and died for us. He is the one living in us and changing us from the inside out. Does that help?

Let’s pray. Lord I thank you for how you have changed my life. You amaze me every day with your goodness and mercy. I don’t know that I deserve what you promise me, but I am grateful that you find me where I am. Thank you for the restoration you are bringing to my life. I thank you for the boldness and assurance I am feeling when I share your good news. May your grace and mercy abound for those who are walking in darkness. May they feel you knocking on the door of their heart. Thank you for the quiet time we have and the refreshment you provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.