Jeff's Journal

Please read: Mark 1:29-39

Jesus begins his ministry in Mark by visiting the sick.

He visits Simon's mother. Simon is a new disciple.

   His first contact is with the family of someone he knows.

   The text says five of them went in the house.

      She had a fever. He held her hand.

      He helped her sit up and stand.

      The fever left. She began to serve.

Through the power of a compassionate heart

   the love of Christ flowed into this woman,

   gave her strength and allowed her to resume

   the purpose for which she was originally created.

She served the ones who had come for the visit.

But the story does not end there.

   Word got out.

His disciples began bringing him people

   who were physically or mentally ill.

   He received them. He was able to cure

   illnesses and cast out demons.

Then, he was tired.

   Overwhelmed by the task before him,

      early in his ministry, he took a short

      retreat to a quiet place and prayed.

He went alone.

Even though there was more work to do

   in the village where Simon lived,

   he said, "Let's move on."

Will you welcome the touch of Jesus

   when you are sick or upset?

He work is to come along side you

   help heal and make you whole.

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff