As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:29-45
The answer to "how do I make things better?', is one most people don't like to hear. Serving others is always the answer, but most want to believe that being right, being the strongest and being a winner are the answer. Love is the single force that renews all things and brings healing. And love requires that we answer with service.
Jesus begins his ministry with the ultimate acts of love - healing and service. Those who followed him and those who gathered around, couldn't help but respond with love and service. Love and service are contagious and restorative. Our world is in need today of restoration and love. It will not get better through politics or arguments but by serving others. God invites us today to get to work serving others as a visible sign of the Creator's radical and complete love for us all.
Today, I ask God to help me be a servant. May our lives be dedicated to loving service, in gratitude for the healing and love we have received.
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