Scripture reference: Mark 2:1-12
"There is no way we can ask him to come way the heck out here into the middle of nowhere. We simply must take Jesse to him."
Jacob spoke to his brothers Jason and Saul, and their cousin Matthew, as he stitched up the leather sleeve a wooden pole would go through. This would complete one side of the stretcher he was making which he, his brothers, and thier cousin would use to carry their neighbor, Jesse, to the Rabbi they had heard of living in Capernaum. Word had come to even their remote location that this man, named Jesus, can heal all ailments. Without doubt or question, as soon as Jacob and his brothers had heard this news, they made the decision to take their friend, Jesse, to him.
Capernaum is a good half day journey under normal conditions. Four men carry the weight of another between them would add difficulty and time to the journey. For that reason they had decided to set out before dawn of the next day. So Jacob worked quickly at his task of making the stretcher. Then they would have a meal together before going to bed to get enough rest for the day ahead.
The stretcher complete and their bags packed, the four men sat down for the evening meal. Jacob, the oldest, led them in prayer.
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food, this land, and this home; all of which we acknowledge are gifts from you. We also thank you for sending your servant, this Jesus of Caprernaum, to our people. We know by the things reported of him that he must be from you as another gift to your children. And for that we are deeply grateful. May we prove ourselves worthy of the blessing we know you will give to our friend, Jesse. By your holy name we pray; Amen."
The morning star shown brightly just above the Western horizon as the men set out on their mission. Jacob and Jason took the forward positions, while Saul and Matthew held the rear end of the poles. Their friend, Matthew, lay on his stretcher softly speaking his morning prayers. Joy and excited filled all of their hearts. For deep within themselves they knew that today was a very special day. A day proclaimed by God himself. Today their friend would be healed of his lameness, and be able to walk. None of them could explain how or why they knew this with such strong conviction. They simply knew in their heart's that God would make it so.
Joy and hope (confident expectation) dominated the minds of the brothers and cousin as they transported their friend toward Capernaum. They recited psalms and sang hymns of praise to God as they traveled. The very Spirit of God gave them strength and made their feet sure so that they did not stumble. In this manner they happy group made good time, and arrived at Capernaum at mid-morning. With a few inquires and little difficulty, the four friends found the house where the Rabbi was already teaching.
"Oh, man!," explaimed Jacob. "Look at that crowd! There isn't enough space between those people for a fly to pass. I see no way we can get through such a great crowd so tightly packed together. How are we going to get Jesse in there?"
"Look over there," Jason said as he pointed toward a chicken coop attached to the South side of the house. "We could climb up onto the roof of that, and then onto the roof of the house. Then we could tare off some of the roof tiles, and lower Jesse through the hole. The rabbi would have to take notice of him. Then, if he is as great as we have heard, surely he will touch Jesse and make him well."
There was some discussion of this rather odd idea, but the determination to see their friend healed decided the matter. And the attention of the crowd was so captivated by the words they were hearing that no one noticed the men slowly climbing and pulling their load to the roof of the small house. Neither did anyone seem to be aware that four men were tarring a hole in the roof. So it was just a matter of about half an hour before the friends of Jesse began to lower him down into the house. As it was, he was descending from the roof right in front of Jesus.
Jesus became silent, and the crowd began to murmur, as all eyes took notice of the pallet being slowly lowered from the hole in the roof. Jesus was not looking at the silent Jesse lying on the bed, but up into the faces of his four friends. As the eyes are the window to the soul, Jesus saw the faith in each man; the conviction that what they were doing would not go unrewarded. And he knew they were not seeking reward for themselves, but a blessing for their friend. Jesus was touched both by their faith and their compassion.
Jesus then looked into the face of Jesse and said, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
Now there were some teachers of the law sitting in the front row, and they were shocked to hear Jesus tell the man that his sins are forgive. They were thinking, "Who does this character think he is?! Only God can forgive sins. He commits blasphemy!"
Jesus knew what the haughty Pharisees were thinking, so he spoke directly to them saying, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins..."
Then Jesus once again looked Jesse right in the eyes and said, "I tell you, get up, take up your mat and go home."
And with that, Jesse stood up, rolled up his pallet, held it in his right hand lying on his right shoulder, and walked toward the door. The crowd, like the Red Sea before Moses, parted and allowed him to pass. His faced beamed with the happiness filling his heart as tears of joy streamed down his face. The eyes of the room followed him while the voices whispered to each other, "Praise the God of wonders. This is amazing! We have never seen anything like this!"
Jesse emerged from the house to the sound of joyful cheers from the crowd and his friends who had jumped off the roof and were running toward him. They hugged and kissed and laughed and cried. And then, singing hymns of praise to God, they set off for home.
May the God of wonders give some amazing blessings and miracles. Praise God! Amen.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stopping to Give Thanks
Scripture reference: Luke 17:12-19
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Power of Authority
Scripture reference: Matthew 8:5-13
My name is Marcus Giaus Marcellus. I was born in the city of Tyre, and was raised in the city of Ceasarea. I am the only son of a guard of the Summer Palace of King Herod. My mother is a weaver of fine linen used in the king's palace. My father died of a fever when I was twelve years old. At that time my mother turned me over to the captain of the palace guard to train me in the ways of a man and a soldier. I lived with him for the next four years.
I enjoyed my life among the men of the guard. I got pleasure from the games and activities we participated in. My master had one of the men under him teach me to read and write Greek. I also received instruction in math, science, growing crops, the names and cycles of the stars and planets, riding a horse, and sailing a boat. I grew strong in body and mind, and brought honor to my guardian and his company.
My experiences with the guard unit taught me about authority and discipline. The ways of a group with a common cause are guided by respect and concern for for one another, as well as respect for the leader of the group. It became clear to me that having authority involves respect, responsibility, and humility. These characteristics are important in the leader as well as those who are led.
When I turned sixteen, the age of majority, I became a member of the guard. I worked hard and proved myself in every task I was given. As a result I was promoted, and finally became a centurion. That means I was put in charge of my own company of one hundred men. I was assigned to the city of Capernaum as a base from which to patrol the roads and villages. My duty was to protect the citizens from the bandits and rebels which greatly troubled the region.
Shortly after arriving in Capernaum, a woman came to see me. She was recently widowed with a twelve year old son. She asked me to take the boy into my household as my servant so that he would have the company and training of men. I could not help but remember how I had felt when I was in his situation. As I found the boy pleasing and healthy, I took him as my personal servant. I planned to give him the same opportunities I had been given, and help him to become the man I had become.
As the months past, I became very fond of the boy, and found him to be not only of great service, but a joy to have in my house. Therefore I was filled with great sorrow and fear for the boy's life when he developed a fever which caused great suffering to the point he could not even stand. He was so important to my life that I was willing to do whatever would be required of me to save his life.
Having heard from the local residents of Capernaum of a man who could heal the sick, I made up mind to go to see him to implore him to command that my servant be healed. I cannot clearly explain why, but I was completely certain that this man some where calling the Christ could heal my beloved servant. Therefore it was with complete confidence that I set out early in the morning to find the man Jesus.
When I came upon Jesus as he entered the city, I went down on one knee before him and said, "My Lord, my beloved servant lies at home paralysed with a fever and in great suffering."
Jesus said he would go with me to my home immediately. But I said unto him, "My Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and the comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he soes it."
Jesus then spoke to the crowd around him and said, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to me, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
As I rose to thank him and take my leave, I noted the hour of the sun. When I returned to my house, I found my servant out of bed, and at his regular household tasks. He was completely healed. When I asked my house manager when the boy had gotten up, the time he told me was exactly the same as when Jesus had granted my request.
From that day forward I and my entire household worshiped the God of Jesus the Christ. And I used my own monies to build a place of worship in Capernaum where I and others who believe in Jesus gather to praise his name, and study his teachings. And I am very proud to say that my boy has become of leader of our group, and is no longer my servant, but a servant of our Lord Jesus.
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
My name is Marcus Giaus Marcellus. I was born in the city of Tyre, and was raised in the city of Ceasarea. I am the only son of a guard of the Summer Palace of King Herod. My mother is a weaver of fine linen used in the king's palace. My father died of a fever when I was twelve years old. At that time my mother turned me over to the captain of the palace guard to train me in the ways of a man and a soldier. I lived with him for the next four years.
I enjoyed my life among the men of the guard. I got pleasure from the games and activities we participated in. My master had one of the men under him teach me to read and write Greek. I also received instruction in math, science, growing crops, the names and cycles of the stars and planets, riding a horse, and sailing a boat. I grew strong in body and mind, and brought honor to my guardian and his company.
My experiences with the guard unit taught me about authority and discipline. The ways of a group with a common cause are guided by respect and concern for for one another, as well as respect for the leader of the group. It became clear to me that having authority involves respect, responsibility, and humility. These characteristics are important in the leader as well as those who are led.
When I turned sixteen, the age of majority, I became a member of the guard. I worked hard and proved myself in every task I was given. As a result I was promoted, and finally became a centurion. That means I was put in charge of my own company of one hundred men. I was assigned to the city of Capernaum as a base from which to patrol the roads and villages. My duty was to protect the citizens from the bandits and rebels which greatly troubled the region.
Shortly after arriving in Capernaum, a woman came to see me. She was recently widowed with a twelve year old son. She asked me to take the boy into my household as my servant so that he would have the company and training of men. I could not help but remember how I had felt when I was in his situation. As I found the boy pleasing and healthy, I took him as my personal servant. I planned to give him the same opportunities I had been given, and help him to become the man I had become.
As the months past, I became very fond of the boy, and found him to be not only of great service, but a joy to have in my house. Therefore I was filled with great sorrow and fear for the boy's life when he developed a fever which caused great suffering to the point he could not even stand. He was so important to my life that I was willing to do whatever would be required of me to save his life.
Having heard from the local residents of Capernaum of a man who could heal the sick, I made up mind to go to see him to implore him to command that my servant be healed. I cannot clearly explain why, but I was completely certain that this man some where calling the Christ could heal my beloved servant. Therefore it was with complete confidence that I set out early in the morning to find the man Jesus.
When I came upon Jesus as he entered the city, I went down on one knee before him and said, "My Lord, my beloved servant lies at home paralysed with a fever and in great suffering."
Jesus said he would go with me to my home immediately. But I said unto him, "My Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and the comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he soes it."
Jesus then spoke to the crowd around him and said, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to me, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
As I rose to thank him and take my leave, I noted the hour of the sun. When I returned to my house, I found my servant out of bed, and at his regular household tasks. He was completely healed. When I asked my house manager when the boy had gotten up, the time he told me was exactly the same as when Jesus had granted my request.
From that day forward I and my entire household worshiped the God of Jesus the Christ. And I used my own monies to build a place of worship in Capernaum where I and others who believe in Jesus gather to praise his name, and study his teachings. And I am very proud to say that my boy has become of leader of our group, and is no longer my servant, but a servant of our Lord Jesus.
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Honoring Your Heavenly Father
Scripture reference: Ephesians 6:2
The Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to share my faith with teenage boys from time to time. I always enjoy the excitement and imagination of those in early puberty. Their mind and emotions, being tossed in a wild sea of sudden growth and change, always present challenging ideas and questions. One troubling questions that arises as a result of the evil age we live in is this. Why should I honor and respect my father or my mother when he/she is an alcoholic, a drug addict, adulterous, abusive, or in prison? Am I really commanded by God to respect and honor someone sitting in prison for the crime of raping a child or killing a man in a bar fight? Surely the behavior of my parent exempts me from this command.
The answer to this question, as with all difficult questions of real life, can be found in the scriptures. If we read and study the Bible carefully we can find instructions for every situation we face in life today. And this one is no different. What we need to do is break it down to its basic spiritual elements. Those are: faithful obedience in God, trusting in His wisdom; receiving the power of His unconditional love and grace by allowing it to flow through us to others; forgiving others as He forgives us; leading others to repentance with exhortations and teachings as God leads us. Once we examine this question in the light of these basic principles of Christianity, the answer becomes clear.
In 1 Samuel 15:9-23 the Lord instructs us on just how strongly He values obedience to Him above all else, especially our ideas of what is proper. God does not accept our reasons for behaving in a manner which is not in compliance with his commands. He sees failure to obey Him as rebellion against His will. And in 1 Samuel 15:23 we are told by God through His prophet, Samuel, that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (KJV) Therefore, to disobey the Lord's command to honor your father and your mother, regardless of what you may think are acceptable reasons, is seen by God as rebellion against Him, and is the same as the sin of idolatry. Why is it idolatry? Because you are putting man's ideas and values before God. You are saying that you will follow man's ways rather than God's. And to put anything before God is idolatry. For you truly worship that which is most important to you. And if you say that man's ideas in the matter of a sinful parent are more important to you than God's commandment, then you are committing idolatry.
Jesus gives us instructions on forgiveness in his example of how we should pray. We are told in Matthew 6:12 that we should ask God to "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." This is Jesus' way of telling us that if we expect God to forgive us the debt we owe Him in payment for our sins, we must, likewise, forgive the debt owed by others who have harmed us. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15 KJV) Jesus makes it clear that their is a direct connection between our willingness not to consider the offenses of others, and God's willingness to forget our offenses.
We are also instructed that we should "judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1 KJV) This is reflected in the statement made by Paul when he said, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV) None of us is pure and without blemish. We are all equally stained with sin the eyes of God. Therefore, failure to obey God's commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee," (Genesis 20:12 KJV) is a sin no different from any other sin in the eyes of God. In this we must remember what God has told us by saying, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)
Something that is necessary for all of us to remember is what Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out on their own. "Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8 KJV) In this way Jesus implores us to freely give to others the same grace and love we have freely received from God. And it is important to notice that Jesus does not put any conditions on this instruction. We are to freely give grace to all without exception. For this is precisely what God does. He gives His grace to all without regard for how stained with stain any might be. And we are to follow His example, if we truly live in Christ.
Finally, we need to remember that we instruct others about the teachings of Jesus and the grace of God by how we live. When we obey God's commands, and show to others the same love He shows us, we proclaim boldly that Jesus is real, and God is faithful and true. Your public life and the way you treat others could be the only Bible a lost father or mother will read. By trusting God's wisdom rather than man's, you become the conduit through which the Holy Spirit can reach out to the lost sheep your Father wants to find. Through your obedience, even when it is hard and does not make sense to men, you receive the power of God to change men's hearts. In this way, we can change the world; just as Paul changed the world with his witness.
The command to honor your mother and father really has nothing to do with them and their behavior. It is a matter of your relationship with God. The question is not about the worthiness of your father and mother, but of your willingness to obey your heavenly Father. Ultimately it is He who you honor with the honor and respect you give to whom men consider the least worthy of honor and respect. By doing that you will be greatly blessed by God for the honor and glory you give to Him.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
The Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to share my faith with teenage boys from time to time. I always enjoy the excitement and imagination of those in early puberty. Their mind and emotions, being tossed in a wild sea of sudden growth and change, always present challenging ideas and questions. One troubling questions that arises as a result of the evil age we live in is this. Why should I honor and respect my father or my mother when he/she is an alcoholic, a drug addict, adulterous, abusive, or in prison? Am I really commanded by God to respect and honor someone sitting in prison for the crime of raping a child or killing a man in a bar fight? Surely the behavior of my parent exempts me from this command.
The answer to this question, as with all difficult questions of real life, can be found in the scriptures. If we read and study the Bible carefully we can find instructions for every situation we face in life today. And this one is no different. What we need to do is break it down to its basic spiritual elements. Those are: faithful obedience in God, trusting in His wisdom; receiving the power of His unconditional love and grace by allowing it to flow through us to others; forgiving others as He forgives us; leading others to repentance with exhortations and teachings as God leads us. Once we examine this question in the light of these basic principles of Christianity, the answer becomes clear.
In 1 Samuel 15:9-23 the Lord instructs us on just how strongly He values obedience to Him above all else, especially our ideas of what is proper. God does not accept our reasons for behaving in a manner which is not in compliance with his commands. He sees failure to obey Him as rebellion against His will. And in 1 Samuel 15:23 we are told by God through His prophet, Samuel, that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (KJV) Therefore, to disobey the Lord's command to honor your father and your mother, regardless of what you may think are acceptable reasons, is seen by God as rebellion against Him, and is the same as the sin of idolatry. Why is it idolatry? Because you are putting man's ideas and values before God. You are saying that you will follow man's ways rather than God's. And to put anything before God is idolatry. For you truly worship that which is most important to you. And if you say that man's ideas in the matter of a sinful parent are more important to you than God's commandment, then you are committing idolatry.
Jesus gives us instructions on forgiveness in his example of how we should pray. We are told in Matthew 6:12 that we should ask God to "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." This is Jesus' way of telling us that if we expect God to forgive us the debt we owe Him in payment for our sins, we must, likewise, forgive the debt owed by others who have harmed us. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15 KJV) Jesus makes it clear that their is a direct connection between our willingness not to consider the offenses of others, and God's willingness to forget our offenses.
We are also instructed that we should "judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1 KJV) This is reflected in the statement made by Paul when he said, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV) None of us is pure and without blemish. We are all equally stained with sin the eyes of God. Therefore, failure to obey God's commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee," (Genesis 20:12 KJV) is a sin no different from any other sin in the eyes of God. In this we must remember what God has told us by saying, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)
Something that is necessary for all of us to remember is what Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out on their own. "Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8 KJV) In this way Jesus implores us to freely give to others the same grace and love we have freely received from God. And it is important to notice that Jesus does not put any conditions on this instruction. We are to freely give grace to all without exception. For this is precisely what God does. He gives His grace to all without regard for how stained with stain any might be. And we are to follow His example, if we truly live in Christ.
Finally, we need to remember that we instruct others about the teachings of Jesus and the grace of God by how we live. When we obey God's commands, and show to others the same love He shows us, we proclaim boldly that Jesus is real, and God is faithful and true. Your public life and the way you treat others could be the only Bible a lost father or mother will read. By trusting God's wisdom rather than man's, you become the conduit through which the Holy Spirit can reach out to the lost sheep your Father wants to find. Through your obedience, even when it is hard and does not make sense to men, you receive the power of God to change men's hearts. In this way, we can change the world; just as Paul changed the world with his witness.
The command to honor your mother and father really has nothing to do with them and their behavior. It is a matter of your relationship with God. The question is not about the worthiness of your father and mother, but of your willingness to obey your heavenly Father. Ultimately it is He who you honor with the honor and respect you give to whom men consider the least worthy of honor and respect. By doing that you will be greatly blessed by God for the honor and glory you give to Him.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Prophet, The Woman, and The Boy
Scripture reference: 2 Kings 4:8-37
In my many years as a woman of Shunem I have served my people with the talents and wisdom such as God has given to me. For that reason I have some standing and reputation for greatness among them, but it is of God and not of me. Even still, I never conceived. Therefore, my husband and I were without child, and were great in years.
Now there came a day when a man would regularly pass by my home, and I perceived that he was a great man of God. I invited him to come into my home and let me feed him. This he did every time he passed my way. So I compelled my husband to build a small room onto our home, and furnished it with a bed, a stool, and a candlestick. Then when the man of God next passed by I invited him to stay the night with us. This he did, and whenever he came to Shunem.
One day when this man of God was staying in my home, he sent his man servant to summon me to him. When I stood in the door to his room, he said that since I had been nice to him, he wanted to know if I wanted something of the King or the Captain of the guard. I told him that the people I live among take care of me just fine. His man servant then spoke with him in their tongue. So I returned to my chores.
A short time later the man servant compelled me again to go to the man of God. As I stood in the door to his room, he told me that a year later I would be with child, and have a son. I scolded him for saying such a thing to an old woman with an old husband, for he was a man of God and should not lie. He insisted that as a man of God he did not lie.
A year later I did conceive and bring forth a son, just as the man of God had said. I was very happy, and my husband also. We raised up the boy and taught him all that a boy should know, including how to work in the field with his father. It was on one such day when he was with his father in the field that he complained of a head ache. A servant brought him to the house, and I held him on my lap. There he died.
I took the body of my son and placed it on the bed of the man of God in the room my husband had made for him. By way of a messenger I compelled my husband to send a young man and a donkey to me. When my husband asked where I was going, I simply told him not to worry, all would be well. So I set off and traveled to see the man of God as he was on Mount Carmel. There I feel at his feet and reminded him that he said he did not lie when he said I should have a son. Perceiving what I meant, he and his servant went back to my home with me.
Upon arriving at my house the man of God first laid his staff on the face of my son, and then laid his body upon the boy. Placing his mouth on the boy's mouth, and his eyes on the boy's eyes, and pressing his body to that of the boy, the man of God lay there with my son. Then the boy's body became warm with life, and he sneezed seven times.
I knelt down at the man of God's feet, bowed my face to the ground, and thanked him and his God. I then took my son in my arms and left the room with great joy. And the man of God and his servant went their way, for they serve God.
May the God who gives life to the dead be praised and glorified forever. Amen.
In my many years as a woman of Shunem I have served my people with the talents and wisdom such as God has given to me. For that reason I have some standing and reputation for greatness among them, but it is of God and not of me. Even still, I never conceived. Therefore, my husband and I were without child, and were great in years.
Now there came a day when a man would regularly pass by my home, and I perceived that he was a great man of God. I invited him to come into my home and let me feed him. This he did every time he passed my way. So I compelled my husband to build a small room onto our home, and furnished it with a bed, a stool, and a candlestick. Then when the man of God next passed by I invited him to stay the night with us. This he did, and whenever he came to Shunem.
One day when this man of God was staying in my home, he sent his man servant to summon me to him. When I stood in the door to his room, he said that since I had been nice to him, he wanted to know if I wanted something of the King or the Captain of the guard. I told him that the people I live among take care of me just fine. His man servant then spoke with him in their tongue. So I returned to my chores.
A short time later the man servant compelled me again to go to the man of God. As I stood in the door to his room, he told me that a year later I would be with child, and have a son. I scolded him for saying such a thing to an old woman with an old husband, for he was a man of God and should not lie. He insisted that as a man of God he did not lie.
A year later I did conceive and bring forth a son, just as the man of God had said. I was very happy, and my husband also. We raised up the boy and taught him all that a boy should know, including how to work in the field with his father. It was on one such day when he was with his father in the field that he complained of a head ache. A servant brought him to the house, and I held him on my lap. There he died.
I took the body of my son and placed it on the bed of the man of God in the room my husband had made for him. By way of a messenger I compelled my husband to send a young man and a donkey to me. When my husband asked where I was going, I simply told him not to worry, all would be well. So I set off and traveled to see the man of God as he was on Mount Carmel. There I feel at his feet and reminded him that he said he did not lie when he said I should have a son. Perceiving what I meant, he and his servant went back to my home with me.
Upon arriving at my house the man of God first laid his staff on the face of my son, and then laid his body upon the boy. Placing his mouth on the boy's mouth, and his eyes on the boy's eyes, and pressing his body to that of the boy, the man of God lay there with my son. Then the boy's body became warm with life, and he sneezed seven times.
I knelt down at the man of God's feet, bowed my face to the ground, and thanked him and his God. I then took my son in my arms and left the room with great joy. And the man of God and his servant went their way, for they serve God.
May the God who gives life to the dead be praised and glorified forever. Amen.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Receive As A Child
Scripture reference: Mark 10:15
One of the greatest problems the Modern Church has created for mankind is making Christianity far more complicated and complex than God made it. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is really quite simple and straight forward. But man's ego and need to feel important has added requirements and restrictions to Christ Gospel, just as the ancient Jewish priests added to the laws God gave to the people through Moses. And Jesus seemed to know this would happen. So he showed open disdain for the Pharisees with their complicated and burdensome additions to God's law. And he made it clear that anyone who does not accept the offer of salvation with the simplicity of a child cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
You can conduct your own instructive demonstration of what Jesus means when he implores us to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child." Gather together a small group of children between the ages of four and six. Then present a platter of cupcakes or donuts, and offer one to each child. What will most likely happen is that each child will accept the offer of the treat with a smile, and perhaps a thank you. That is all. They will not question your motive for offering the treat. They will not agree to accept the offer only if they can pay for it. They will not refuse the offer on the grounds that they do not feel worthy of it. They will not refuse the offer because they do not want to feel obligated to do something for you in return. They will not state that having accepted the offer makes them special. They will simple be happy that the offer was make, accept the offer with joy, and go off to enjoy what they have been freely given. They might even freely offer to share some of their treat with a parent, sibling, or friend.
This is precisely how Jesus expects us to receive the unconditional, unqualified offer of salvation. He paid the price of the entry fee into the kingdom of God, and offers it to us freely. All we have to do is accept it as freely and unconditionally as it is offered. We do not have to pay for it; for in truth we cannot. As it is a gift it is not our worthiness which is at issue, but the generosity of the giver. And because it is not a loan there is no debt to repay. It is simply a gift offered in love by the Father through the Son.
How rude would you consider it if someone insisted on paying for a Christmas gift you had given them? How hurt would you be if someone to whom you had given a birthday gift wanted to know what you expected in return? How insulted would you be if someone refused to believe you did not have some secrete motive for giving them some cookies you made? Can you imagine how God feels when the great gift he offers to us out of love is not simply accepted with a smile and a thank you? What must he think of those who insist that they must try to pay for the gift? How hurt must he be by those who refuse to believe that he does not have some hidden motive that will place us in debt and bondage to him? For all God does is offer us the gift of his love. And all we have to do is accept it the same way a little child would accept a treat from one of us.
There is one more childlike action that is expected of us. Just as a little child might freely offer to share his treat with another, so we are to share the gift of God's love with others. And, just as the offer was made to us without conditions and restrictions, we are to give God's love to others in the same manner. Just as a child would. For Jesus has instructed us, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)
May the joy of God's love be in your heart. May those you share it with accept it as freely as a little child would. Amen.
One of the greatest problems the Modern Church has created for mankind is making Christianity far more complicated and complex than God made it. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is really quite simple and straight forward. But man's ego and need to feel important has added requirements and restrictions to Christ Gospel, just as the ancient Jewish priests added to the laws God gave to the people through Moses. And Jesus seemed to know this would happen. So he showed open disdain for the Pharisees with their complicated and burdensome additions to God's law. And he made it clear that anyone who does not accept the offer of salvation with the simplicity of a child cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
You can conduct your own instructive demonstration of what Jesus means when he implores us to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child." Gather together a small group of children between the ages of four and six. Then present a platter of cupcakes or donuts, and offer one to each child. What will most likely happen is that each child will accept the offer of the treat with a smile, and perhaps a thank you. That is all. They will not question your motive for offering the treat. They will not agree to accept the offer only if they can pay for it. They will not refuse the offer on the grounds that they do not feel worthy of it. They will not refuse the offer because they do not want to feel obligated to do something for you in return. They will not state that having accepted the offer makes them special. They will simple be happy that the offer was make, accept the offer with joy, and go off to enjoy what they have been freely given. They might even freely offer to share some of their treat with a parent, sibling, or friend.
This is precisely how Jesus expects us to receive the unconditional, unqualified offer of salvation. He paid the price of the entry fee into the kingdom of God, and offers it to us freely. All we have to do is accept it as freely and unconditionally as it is offered. We do not have to pay for it; for in truth we cannot. As it is a gift it is not our worthiness which is at issue, but the generosity of the giver. And because it is not a loan there is no debt to repay. It is simply a gift offered in love by the Father through the Son.
How rude would you consider it if someone insisted on paying for a Christmas gift you had given them? How hurt would you be if someone to whom you had given a birthday gift wanted to know what you expected in return? How insulted would you be if someone refused to believe you did not have some secrete motive for giving them some cookies you made? Can you imagine how God feels when the great gift he offers to us out of love is not simply accepted with a smile and a thank you? What must he think of those who insist that they must try to pay for the gift? How hurt must he be by those who refuse to believe that he does not have some hidden motive that will place us in debt and bondage to him? For all God does is offer us the gift of his love. And all we have to do is accept it the same way a little child would accept a treat from one of us.
There is one more childlike action that is expected of us. Just as a little child might freely offer to share his treat with another, so we are to share the gift of God's love with others. And, just as the offer was made to us without conditions and restrictions, we are to give God's love to others in the same manner. Just as a child would. For Jesus has instructed us, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)
May the joy of God's love be in your heart. May those you share it with accept it as freely as a little child would. Amen.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Once I Was Blind
My days used to be spent sitting at either the entrance to the market place or outside one of the gates of the Temple. I would recite prayers, psalms, and portions of the Holy Scriptures. A simple clay bowl sat next to me into which some who took notice of me would drop a coin. The motivation of those giving a pittance of their good fortune varied. Some hoped to gain favor from God through their generosity to one less fortunate than themselves. Some gave out of a sense of duty. Still others gave out of a feeling of guilt; thinking that some trouble they were experiencing was the result of their lack of concern for the poor. Sometimes I would also receive a loaf of bread and some cheese. Occasionally some truly generous person would give me a little meat and some wine. But I also would be scorned and told to be quiet by those who considered my condition a curse from God. For them I was unclean, and tainted their environment with unholiness. Surely, they would say to their friends, my parents must have committed some terrible sin to have been given a son born blind. And I must certainly carry the stain of that sin like some plaque they feared being infected with.
That was my life, if you can call such an existence life. Constantly dependent on the kindness and generosity of others. Unable to make my way without the arm of another to lean upon. Incapable of earning an honest income from the labor of my hands. I was an unwanted child and a burden on society. My plight had the effect of causing both the humble and the arrogant to give thanks to God that they were not like me. The former considering their state to be one of grace, the latter considering theirs to be a sign of privilege. The wealthy and the priests were quite certain that their condition was an indication by God that they were special and favored by Him. Conversely they were equally convinced that my condition meant that God disliked me. Therefore they concluded that being nice to me would appear to shame God. For this reason even good men often passed me by, rather than risk incurring disfavor with God.
As for me, I did not think of myself as cursed of God. I really believed that I had been given a special place in His grand plans. I thought of what King David said in the psalms about how God knows the name of every star. In my heart and soul I believed that one so great also knew my name. And having a place in the mind of God means also having a place in His heart. That is why I ignored those who scorned me, and continued to believe in the God who hears the cries of His children. He heard us crying in Egypt and saved us. He heard us crying in Babylon and saved us. Even now, the cries of one small child of His sitting outside His Temple in His city would not go unnoticed. So I sat outside the Temple every Sabbath and waited for Him to come and set me free. And one day He did.
It seemed to me to be a Sabbath like any other. There were many more sounds around me owing to the great multitudes of worshipers, vendors, and animals. But there was also an energy light that of lightning before an approaching storm. The very air seemed to be more alive and vibrant. Then I sensed something in my heart. Something I could not explain. As I sat waiting for what I knew not, I heard a voice ask the usual question; "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents?" My breathing seemed to halt as I awaited the answer.
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," replied the Rabbi, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:3-5 NIV)
Joy filled my heart. This Rabbi was different from all the others. He did not believe my blindness was a result of sin. Instead, he said what I had always believed; that God would use my condition to further His work. I was not cursed, but blessed, because God had chosen me to display his greatness to the world.
"God's peace," the peaceful voice spoke in my ear. "I am going to put some mud on your eyes. Then you must go to the Pool of Siloam and wash it off. Do you agree?"
Speechless, I nodded my affirmation. Then I felt gently hands rubbing something smooth and warm on my closed eye lids. Once that was done, a friend who had been sitting with me helped me to stand. Without another word from the good Rabbi, I set off for the Pool of Siloam. When I got there my friend helped me to kneel by the Pool so that I could wash my eyes. The cool water made my eyes tingle. They felt strangely alive; it was a feeling I had never experienced. And after the I was certain I has washed all of the mud away, I opened my eyes.
Oh the glory and wonder and joy! I cannot find the words to describe the feeling that swept over me. I could see for the first time in my life. The sun reflecting off the Pool. The faces of those standing around. The look of wonder and amazement on the face of my friend. The things most people take for granted were an unexpected and marvelous gift to one who was experiencing them for the first time in his life.
After kneeling there on the spot and offering thanks and praise to God, I went home. When I arrived, my neighbors we quite amazed. "How then were your eyes opened," they demanded.
"The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (John 9:10-12 NIV)
As I and many of my neighbors praised God and marveled that He had sent this man to come among us to do wonders, the Pharisees were angry. They said that because this thing had been done on the Sabbath the man must not be from God. But I reasoned that no man could give sight to one born blind unless he truly came from God. For that, the called me a sinner, and threw me out of the synagogue.
Having God in my mind, and my heart, and my soul, I do not need to go to the synagogue or the Temple to worship Him. I worship Him now by the way I live my life. I work with my hands earning my own way, and helping others less fortunate that me. And I worship Him by telling others what this Jesus did in His name. I know that the priests and Pharisees hate me for this, but it is God's love that matters. The Pharisees can believe what the will, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
May His name be praised now forever. Amen.
That was my life, if you can call such an existence life. Constantly dependent on the kindness and generosity of others. Unable to make my way without the arm of another to lean upon. Incapable of earning an honest income from the labor of my hands. I was an unwanted child and a burden on society. My plight had the effect of causing both the humble and the arrogant to give thanks to God that they were not like me. The former considering their state to be one of grace, the latter considering theirs to be a sign of privilege. The wealthy and the priests were quite certain that their condition was an indication by God that they were special and favored by Him. Conversely they were equally convinced that my condition meant that God disliked me. Therefore they concluded that being nice to me would appear to shame God. For this reason even good men often passed me by, rather than risk incurring disfavor with God.
As for me, I did not think of myself as cursed of God. I really believed that I had been given a special place in His grand plans. I thought of what King David said in the psalms about how God knows the name of every star. In my heart and soul I believed that one so great also knew my name. And having a place in the mind of God means also having a place in His heart. That is why I ignored those who scorned me, and continued to believe in the God who hears the cries of His children. He heard us crying in Egypt and saved us. He heard us crying in Babylon and saved us. Even now, the cries of one small child of His sitting outside His Temple in His city would not go unnoticed. So I sat outside the Temple every Sabbath and waited for Him to come and set me free. And one day He did.
It seemed to me to be a Sabbath like any other. There were many more sounds around me owing to the great multitudes of worshipers, vendors, and animals. But there was also an energy light that of lightning before an approaching storm. The very air seemed to be more alive and vibrant. Then I sensed something in my heart. Something I could not explain. As I sat waiting for what I knew not, I heard a voice ask the usual question; "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents?" My breathing seemed to halt as I awaited the answer.
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," replied the Rabbi, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:3-5 NIV)
Joy filled my heart. This Rabbi was different from all the others. He did not believe my blindness was a result of sin. Instead, he said what I had always believed; that God would use my condition to further His work. I was not cursed, but blessed, because God had chosen me to display his greatness to the world.
"God's peace," the peaceful voice spoke in my ear. "I am going to put some mud on your eyes. Then you must go to the Pool of Siloam and wash it off. Do you agree?"
Speechless, I nodded my affirmation. Then I felt gently hands rubbing something smooth and warm on my closed eye lids. Once that was done, a friend who had been sitting with me helped me to stand. Without another word from the good Rabbi, I set off for the Pool of Siloam. When I got there my friend helped me to kneel by the Pool so that I could wash my eyes. The cool water made my eyes tingle. They felt strangely alive; it was a feeling I had never experienced. And after the I was certain I has washed all of the mud away, I opened my eyes.
Oh the glory and wonder and joy! I cannot find the words to describe the feeling that swept over me. I could see for the first time in my life. The sun reflecting off the Pool. The faces of those standing around. The look of wonder and amazement on the face of my friend. The things most people take for granted were an unexpected and marvelous gift to one who was experiencing them for the first time in his life.
After kneeling there on the spot and offering thanks and praise to God, I went home. When I arrived, my neighbors we quite amazed. "How then were your eyes opened," they demanded.
"The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (John 9:10-12 NIV)
As I and many of my neighbors praised God and marveled that He had sent this man to come among us to do wonders, the Pharisees were angry. They said that because this thing had been done on the Sabbath the man must not be from God. But I reasoned that no man could give sight to one born blind unless he truly came from God. For that, the called me a sinner, and threw me out of the synagogue.
Having God in my mind, and my heart, and my soul, I do not need to go to the synagogue or the Temple to worship Him. I worship Him now by the way I live my life. I work with my hands earning my own way, and helping others less fortunate that me. And I worship Him by telling others what this Jesus did in His name. I know that the priests and Pharisees hate me for this, but it is God's love that matters. The Pharisees can believe what the will, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
May His name be praised now forever. Amen.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Deliverance in the Dust
Amazing and incredible do not begin to describe the change in body and life I experienced crawling in the dust on a road outside Capernaum. I had suffered pain, revilement, sorrow, embarrassment and isolation for twelve years. The flow of blood from my body, which would have been normal one week a month, had become a curse which labeled me as "unclean." I could not go to the synagogue to hear the Word of God read. I could not commune with others in the market or at the well. Members of the community who were strict about the purity laws would neither have anything to do with me, nor allow others to visit me. During that time I had believed and trust, and been disappointed and taken advantage of by many physicians and purported healers. In my loneliness I cried and besought God to have mercy on me, a child of his chosen people, the children of Israel.
I awoke that morning believing I had heard a clear, calm voice say, "Daughter, wake up. For today is the day of your deliverance. Your cries to the Father have been heard, and today you shall be made whole. Get up, dress for travel, and set out upon the road from the Sea of Galilee to the city of Capernaum. On that road you will find a crowd following a man. It is He who will set you free."
With a hope (confident expectancy) I could neither explain nor justify, I got out of bed and dressed quickly. With the Sun just peeking over the horizon, I set out to seek a man I had never seen, but somehow knew I would recognize the moment I came into his presence. I was not acting on impulse, but on guidance I was certain came from God himself. I did not think I would be healed that day; rather, I knew in my heart that what had been told to my spirit by the Spirit of God was true. And my heart was filled with joy.
At mid day I came upon a crowd traveling almost as one joined mass of flesh. My body tingled and my soul rejoiced with the knowledge that the man I sought was at the center of that crowd. But how would I get close enough to touch him; for I knew, just as I knew in my heart that he would heal me, that all I need do is touch his garment. And yet it seemed there was not an inch of space between all those who pressed around him. It was then that I decided to get down on my hands and knees and crawl through the legs of the others toward my goal.
With kicks and curses from those arrogantly unaware of the freedom to enjoy the company of others, I painfully and slowly made my way through the forest of legs. Sandals stepped on my old, wrinkled hands while the spit of indignation sprinkled my head. But still I pressed forward with the determination of one who knew beyond all doubt that the reward would far out value the cost. And then I saw it. I have no idea how I knew. Perhaps it was the same voice that had awoken me with tidings of great joy that morning. And so I raised my right arm and stretched my trembling hand out toward the shining white garment.
The moment the tip of my right index finger touched that marvelous cloth I felt a tingling of energy rush through my arm and spread throughout my body. At once I felt strong rather than weak, and stood up unafraid of the eyes of those around me. With a giddiness like that of having drunk too much old wine, the sun dazzling my eyes as if I had just emerged from years in a cave, and the smell of air as fresh as the first day of creation in my nostrils, my heart and soul sang out with praise to God. I was free of my affliction. More than that, I was a new creature. It was like I had been re-born to begin life over as a fresh, happy child of God, my Father, Abba. I stood in the road with tears filling my eyes and streaming down my face as the crowd moved on around me.
Lost in my private prayers and thanks to God, I did not realize that the crowd has ceased it undulating movement along the road. The man at the center was inquiring of his companions of whom had touched him. They seemed quite bemused at the question due to the size of the crowd. But he was quite certain that someone had purposefully touched him. He said he had felt healing power flow from him. Someone, he said, had touched his garment. And then he looked right at me. As our eyes met, I knew he knew what I had done and what I was feeling; and I fell at his feet and confessed to him all that I had experienced that day.
With a kindness I had never know and a love I knew I would carry from that day forth he said to me, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." And with a smile and a nod, he turned his face back toward his destination; and he and the crowd moved on. While I continued to marvel at what had happened. I remained at that spot until the sound of the multitude faded away, and then returned to my home.
Having known pain and sorrow, I am quick to comfort. Having been alone for so long, I am quick to visit those who are shunned. Knowing the unfathomable grace of God and the healing power of prayer, I offer my hands to those who are afflicted in any way. In this way I remember him who glorified his Father the day he delivered me from living death as I knelt before him in the dust.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
I awoke that morning believing I had heard a clear, calm voice say, "Daughter, wake up. For today is the day of your deliverance. Your cries to the Father have been heard, and today you shall be made whole. Get up, dress for travel, and set out upon the road from the Sea of Galilee to the city of Capernaum. On that road you will find a crowd following a man. It is He who will set you free."
With a hope (confident expectancy) I could neither explain nor justify, I got out of bed and dressed quickly. With the Sun just peeking over the horizon, I set out to seek a man I had never seen, but somehow knew I would recognize the moment I came into his presence. I was not acting on impulse, but on guidance I was certain came from God himself. I did not think I would be healed that day; rather, I knew in my heart that what had been told to my spirit by the Spirit of God was true. And my heart was filled with joy.
At mid day I came upon a crowd traveling almost as one joined mass of flesh. My body tingled and my soul rejoiced with the knowledge that the man I sought was at the center of that crowd. But how would I get close enough to touch him; for I knew, just as I knew in my heart that he would heal me, that all I need do is touch his garment. And yet it seemed there was not an inch of space between all those who pressed around him. It was then that I decided to get down on my hands and knees and crawl through the legs of the others toward my goal.
With kicks and curses from those arrogantly unaware of the freedom to enjoy the company of others, I painfully and slowly made my way through the forest of legs. Sandals stepped on my old, wrinkled hands while the spit of indignation sprinkled my head. But still I pressed forward with the determination of one who knew beyond all doubt that the reward would far out value the cost. And then I saw it. I have no idea how I knew. Perhaps it was the same voice that had awoken me with tidings of great joy that morning. And so I raised my right arm and stretched my trembling hand out toward the shining white garment.
The moment the tip of my right index finger touched that marvelous cloth I felt a tingling of energy rush through my arm and spread throughout my body. At once I felt strong rather than weak, and stood up unafraid of the eyes of those around me. With a giddiness like that of having drunk too much old wine, the sun dazzling my eyes as if I had just emerged from years in a cave, and the smell of air as fresh as the first day of creation in my nostrils, my heart and soul sang out with praise to God. I was free of my affliction. More than that, I was a new creature. It was like I had been re-born to begin life over as a fresh, happy child of God, my Father, Abba. I stood in the road with tears filling my eyes and streaming down my face as the crowd moved on around me.
Lost in my private prayers and thanks to God, I did not realize that the crowd has ceased it undulating movement along the road. The man at the center was inquiring of his companions of whom had touched him. They seemed quite bemused at the question due to the size of the crowd. But he was quite certain that someone had purposefully touched him. He said he had felt healing power flow from him. Someone, he said, had touched his garment. And then he looked right at me. As our eyes met, I knew he knew what I had done and what I was feeling; and I fell at his feet and confessed to him all that I had experienced that day.
With a kindness I had never know and a love I knew I would carry from that day forth he said to me, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." And with a smile and a nod, he turned his face back toward his destination; and he and the crowd moved on. While I continued to marvel at what had happened. I remained at that spot until the sound of the multitude faded away, and then returned to my home.
Having known pain and sorrow, I am quick to comfort. Having been alone for so long, I am quick to visit those who are shunned. Knowing the unfathomable grace of God and the healing power of prayer, I offer my hands to those who are afflicted in any way. In this way I remember him who glorified his Father the day he delivered me from living death as I knelt before him in the dust.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
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