Matthew 4:23-25 (NIV)
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Mark 1:21-39 (NIV)
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many
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.
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
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My Notes:
God. You are amazing. Jesus is amazing.
God, increase my faith.
I am tempted to want to be a good, decent, "proper" Christian. I'm tempted to not want to believe in miracles and healings, to be functionally cessationist, because believing in, practicing, and even experiencing these things might make me . . . Wierd.
When they're just words on a page, just a story, I can intellectualize it if confronted by someone who doesn't believe like I do.
But if I believe this is true, really truly true, and I believe that Jesus is alive and the Holy Spirit is active today, then my faith is anemic if I don't truly believe that you can and will do the impossible.
You still are a God of love and compassion. You still are the highest authority, and the only authority.
To you alone I submit, Father. Do what you want with me, and through me. If it means healing for the sick and broken, and good news to the poor, then go ahead and make me ridiculous.
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After writing this, I realized that being "functionally cessationist" (living as though God is no longer demonstrably active in the world through miracles) is basically living as functionally atheist.
I never want to turn faith in Jesus into an empty, powerless philosophy.
When I read the gospels I am faced with a Jesus who is a "do-er" much of the time. He knows his ministry will only last a few short years and he doesn't waste any of his valuable time. He does a lot of things, but they always coincide with the ultimate and eternal purpose of his life on earth.
ReplyDeleteJesus knew how to live with vision and intention. He knew that he was more than a miracle worker, more than just a good person.
Jesus also recognized his humanity - his need for rest, for solitude, for the Father.
Taking alone time with God is directly related to doing ministry, to living well, to experiencing the Kingdom come to earth.
I need to be a "do-er."
I need solitude.
Do I even believe that miracles can happen?
ReplyDeleteSure, I've heard enough stories, felt a second-hand emotion or two.
The real question is if I believe God can use me for the miraculous...
God I pray for enough boldness to believe that I too will see and do greater things - and enough foolishness to act on this faith.