Have you ever been in a situation that you knew God had a hand in? Maybe a tough situation that you knew God took you there on purpose to help you through? How many times have you found yourself in a tough situation, maybe even a dangerous situation and God was there….seeing you through? What should our response be? Shouldn’t we express gratitude? Shouldn’t we be grateful? God, indeed Jesus, has promised us all the rewards of the kingdom…..yet how often do we simply brush aside His presence in our lives……… maybe as coincidence, maybe as simply “weird”…..or maybe…just maybe…….our pride is so strong that we refuse acknowledge the power that has helped or healed in our lives.
Mark 1:29-34 (TNIV)
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Jesus heals! He left us with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to carry us through tough, even dangerous circumstances. You know, there are three kinds of people in this story above:
1. Those who need and accept help and show gratitude (Peter’s mother-in law)
2. Those who bring our friends and neighbors and loved ones to Jesus for help (James and John as well as many of the townspeople)
3. Those who merely watch the action but don’t respond to the one who is helping (probably many in the crowd)
Do you simply watch the action and not respond to The One who is healing in your life? Does your pride prevent you from acknowledging the power of Christ in your life? If you are, Jesus will give you what you want and you might find yourself alone.
There is an interesting Greek word that Mark uses quite often. That word is “euthus” [yoo-thoos] and is translated most often as “immediately”. Not only does it hold the meaning of “immediately or straight away”, but it also has the meaning of “upright, true, and sincere”.
Our response should be to immediately show our gratitude…… for that is the upright, true and sincere response. Our response should be to recognize the power and the healing that has come from Jesus in our lives and to give Him the glory. To thank Him and to hold close to our heart these things as they strengthen the bond between us and our creator…..God, indeed, Jesus!
Which of these people are you? What is your response to the healing touch of Jesus in your life? The key is, be #1 and #2….don’t be #3.
May you recognize the hand of God in your life and may you respond immediately and sincerely, holding close to your heart all those times that the supernatural power of Jesus has touched your life.
