After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44
It is easy to think that Peter's mother-in-law, when she was healed, got up and did what was expected of her. We can be blinded by traditional roles sometimes and miss why this was included. "Immediately she got up and began to serve them." Yet the writer wanted us to hear this, to see that she was not only noticed but there was a recording of her service. True love and gratitude are demonstrated in service. There were others there who could serve them. She was probably weak, and her daughters and children wanted her to rest. Yet love bubbled us, gratitude overwhelmed her, and she got up and served them. When God shakes us loose from our burdens, when love overpowers us, we can't help but jump up to serve.
Wondrous Creator, source of all joy
you provide new mornings and new hope
you teach the birds to sing and us as well
we are your creatures and you love us well.
When we are overcome by pain and illness
we might think you have abandoned us
yet you are always standing over us
bringing new healing and life to each one.
Give us a new sense of love and joy today
so we might leap up in order to serve others
may we know you as we tend and feed your flock
help us to know you as we offer what we can. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment