Saturday, September 24, 2005
Trouble At Home
Not long after deciding to follow Jesus, Simon encounters a major test. Throughout his life, Satan tries many ways to attack Simon. From problems at home to events that cause Simon to doubt himself to fear in the midst of storms to outright persecution, Simon learns how to walk in faith.
Jesus, Simon, James, John and probably Andrew having just left the synagogue, come to Simon's house. They find Simon's mother-in-law in bed. She was sick from a very high fever - the kind of illness that could result in death. Simon could have thought, "Why is this happening to me and my family now? I have just dedicated my life to serve a prophet of God, and this is what I get as a reward." Simon doesn't fall into this faithless point of view. Instead, the men turn to Jesus and ask Him to intervene.
Jesus shows how he cares for those Simon loves. Jesus is a true friend. He does more than just show sympathy to the situation. He acts to change it. Jesus rebukes the fever. Then He touches the woman on the hand. Immediately, the fever leaves her.
Simon's mother-in-law gets up and immediately waits on the men. She returns to her life without missing a step. There is no recovery period. She fully recovers on the spot. Jesus never does anything half way. He is the One who restores us to the person we were always supposed to be.
News travels fast about Jesus' powers. People come from all around bringing those who were sick or possessed by evil spirits.
Luke 4:40 says that Jesus laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. As devils came out of people, they proclaimed who Jesus was. And He silenced them. Jesus did not market Himself or use His miracles to boost His popularity. Quite the opposite, He frequently shied away from the limelight. He told people not to speak about miracles that He did.
Jesus never sought fame or recognition. He knew who He was. He did not need anyone except the Father to confirm it. By always trying to turn the focus to God and His glory, Jesus provided a valuable example for Simon. The disciples frequently argued about who was the greatest. It wasn't until after the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that they really started to "get it." Although it took time, Simon eventually learned that the power of God does not exist for self promotion or gain. Instead, it is given to men to serve others, advance the Kingdom and glorify God.
Jesus, Simon, James, John and probably Andrew having just left the synagogue, come to Simon's house. They find Simon's mother-in-law in bed. She was sick from a very high fever - the kind of illness that could result in death. Simon could have thought, "Why is this happening to me and my family now? I have just dedicated my life to serve a prophet of God, and this is what I get as a reward." Simon doesn't fall into this faithless point of view. Instead, the men turn to Jesus and ask Him to intervene.
Jesus shows how he cares for those Simon loves. Jesus is a true friend. He does more than just show sympathy to the situation. He acts to change it. Jesus rebukes the fever. Then He touches the woman on the hand. Immediately, the fever leaves her.
Simon's mother-in-law gets up and immediately waits on the men. She returns to her life without missing a step. There is no recovery period. She fully recovers on the spot. Jesus never does anything half way. He is the One who restores us to the person we were always supposed to be.
News travels fast about Jesus' powers. People come from all around bringing those who were sick or possessed by evil spirits.
Luke 4:40 says that Jesus laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. As devils came out of people, they proclaimed who Jesus was. And He silenced them. Jesus did not market Himself or use His miracles to boost His popularity. Quite the opposite, He frequently shied away from the limelight. He told people not to speak about miracles that He did.
Jesus never sought fame or recognition. He knew who He was. He did not need anyone except the Father to confirm it. By always trying to turn the focus to God and His glory, Jesus provided a valuable example for Simon. The disciples frequently argued about who was the greatest. It wasn't until after the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that they really started to "get it." Although it took time, Simon eventually learned that the power of God does not exist for self promotion or gain. Instead, it is given to men to serve others, advance the Kingdom and glorify God.
