And She Served Them
Reverend Hong
Translated by Allan Liang
Mark 1:29-34 After a great reveal of his authority in casting out demons on the Sabbath day at Capernaum, Jesus took John and James and went to the house of Peter and Andrew. Jesus was concerned for Peter’s mother in law who was gravely sick. (Luke 4:38) Now, Jesus using the authority granted to him as the Son of God, could have given a single command and the sickness would have been completely healed. However, the scriptures say: “So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.” These words reveal the very depth of Jesus’ love and mercy to those under the torment and bondage of sickness. As a result, not only was she cured of her physical ailments, she was greatly uplifted spiritually, and proceeded to serve Jesus and the disciples. Dear brothers and sisters, upon reading this passage, what are we to receive? Certainly, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, however as pure intellectual knowledge, that is far from enough. As it is written: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. ” (James 2:19) Whenever Jesus cast them out, they would cry: “Jesus, you are the Son of God.” However, Jesus would rebuke them and forbid them from speaking, as they were not worthy to bear witness to him, but rather deserved the eternal punishment of agony and gnashing of teeth. Dear brothers and sisters, when we are in the grips of sickness, let us look nowhere but Jesus for healing. However, have we questioned our purposes and motives in asking Jesus for healing? If we are to say, the answer is obvious, it is for health and happiness - Jesus loves us, doesn't he want us to be happy and healthy? Woe to those who think in such ways. For God heals those he loves, not only for them to know his power of healing, but much more, for them to taste his love and righteousness. All this is to make us learn to love God, serve God, glorify God and enjoy Him forevermore. Blessed is the mother in law of Peter, for after receiving bodily healing, her immediate response was to gratefully serve her Lord and Savior. Please carefully read Mark 1:29-34. Afterwards, continue to meditate and pray about the following: In the time of pandemic, what is my greatest fear? In response to my life of peace and health, am I filled with a heart of gratitude towards God, and do I seek to be changed by God, wanting to forsake my old ways of happiness and dedicate all of my life to Jesus?