A storm is calmed, a demon-possessed man is set free, a woman with chronic bleeding is healed, and a dead girl is brought back to life. This is God’s saving power being displayed in the person and work of Jesus, bringing order out of chaos and life out of death. And the question of faith is very much in focus. The disciples are asked to find it, the woman to uncover it, Jairus to hang on to it, and Jesus the only object of it.
• What ‘storms’ are you currently facing in your life, or in what situations do you currently feel helpless?
• Are you able to hear today Jesus’ words, ‘don’t be afraid; just believe’?
• What might it mean for you to reach out and ‘touch’ Jesus today?
• Where in your life, in your family, our church or in this world do you want to see a release of God’s saving power?
This is God’s saving power being displayed in the person and work of Jesus, bringing order out of chaos and life out of death. yup this is what we should be involved in!
ReplyDeleteeven though the disciples had been with Jesus for some time and seen his miracles yet they were still frightened. And yes even after many years of being a disciple and seeing miraculous healings and being involved in many too - yet I confess that there are times when I am just the same as the disciples crying out for help - it is a relief to see the company I keep!!! But it is also a great encouragement that when we do call out He is there and He wants to be involved in our lives
ReplyDeleteFirst time on this blog! Yes have been facing storms in my life. Someone gave this ministry to me at church. My son's had troubles in recent years. Now my partner is ill - incurable, gettin worse. It's dementia. He used to be physically fit, but now has pain from deteriorating spinal vertebrae. Recently I had to start hiring respite care. Other worries come at same time: death (after long illness)of old school-friend; pressures from others needing my help; trying to get outside for my own interest & sanity; trying to maintain the house too! Jesus calms the storm, and sets my heart at rest. I feel comnforted and more hopeful when I pray. God is there for us, if we turn to him.
ReplyDeleteThe fundamental questions the Gospels address is "Who is this Jesus?" Each of these incidents points to his divinity, as creator and life giver. Even the incident with the woman shows this. If he was just a man, the touch of this unclean woman would have meant that he became unclean as well. But it was not like that. Rather, his cleansing passed to her, and she was made clean.
ReplyDeleteThis creator and life giver walks among us, full of grace and truth, Emmanuel.