7 February 2021

Bible Reading

Mark 1:29-39

Jesus and his disciples, including James and John, left the synagogue and went straight to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and as soon as Jesus arrived, he was told about her. He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to wait on them.

After the sun had set and evening had come, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had demons. All the people of the town gathered in front of the house. Jesus healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons. He would not let the demons say anything, because they knew who he was.

Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed. But Simon and his companions went out searching for him, and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus answered, “We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.”

So he travelled all over Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and driving out demons.

Explanation

In the bible passage this week, we read about Jesus healing people who are sick like Simon’s mother.  It seems that the news spread very quickly that this man Jesus was a healer; for the very next day the house was surrounded with people bringing their loved ones to be healed.

I wonder how Jesus felt seeing so many people and knowing that they had all come to be healed or had brought someone to be healed.   What a responsibility, a privilege.  Yet maybe also overwhelming and tiring.

It made me think about all the people who work in GP surgeries, hospitals and care homes looking after people who are sick; particularly at the moment when they are busier than ever with Corona virus.

It is important to rest; especially when we are busy.  Jesus models the importance of this by finding time, early in the morning to go alone to a quiet place and pray.  A time for him to spend time with God and to rest and prepare for another busy day or healing and ministry.

To think about this week

At the moment we are all keeping safe by staying home most of the time, so your quiet place needs to be in your home or perhaps your garden.

Where can you go to be alone and quiet; and spend time with God?  You could use this time to say a prayer or just tell God about your day.  If you don’t have a quiet space why not think about making one.

It might be:

• Making a tent in your room with a sheet or blanket and putting a cushion inside.

• Finding a quiet corner to sit in to colour a picture.

• Putting your coat and hat and wellies on and going for a quiet walk in your garden.

Wherever your quiet space is enjoy your time spent with God.

Prayer

Loving God, thank you that you are always there, ready to listen to my thoughts and prayers. 
Encourager God, help me to make time each and every day to spend quiet time with you. 
Amen.

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