Page 10 - Living Light 89

Wednesday June 4 - The healer
For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Mark 3:10
Even though I’ve lived in Britain for several decades, when approaching a queue my natural inclination is to negotiate my way to the front. Now, before you become offended, know that I’ve learned to suppress this deep-rooted urge! But I can understand the exuberance of the many who push forward to reach Jesus – especially as they’re afflicted with diseases of many kinds. To be healed by Jesus will bring release not only for the individual but the family, those responsible for their care. The family will also find freedom from the societal shame of the particular disease. Yes, healing might be worth a bit of a shove to the front of that queue!
Cultural conventions might quash some of our innate longings or jostlings, but God sees all of us. We don’t have to hide from him, and we also don’t have to queue for his attention! What a privilege that we can come to Jesus any time of the day or the night, knowing that he loves to hear from us. And he loves to respond. We can ask him for protection, for healing, for love, for companionship. We don’t always understand how he answers – we don’t have the full picture – but we can trust that God loves us without end, and wants the best for us. I pray you’ll feel his embrace today.
Healing Jesus, I give to you my concerns and ailments. Please set me free, according to your love and grace. Amen.
Thursday June 5 - The exorcist
Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” Mark 3:11
Focusing on the number of places Mark names in verse 8 gives us a sense of the immensity of the crowds thronging to Jesus; not only do they come from Judea and Jerusalem but also from more far-flung locations. Clearly the people desire to encounter Jesus, even if the religious leaders spurn him. We don’t know what motives they have in coming to Jesus. Perhaps many merely seek his healing.
Jesus doesn’t mind why they’ve come; he meets them and heals them. And whenever he finds someone oppressed by a demon, he sets them free. Notice how the impure spirits know his identity as the Son of God, even if the religious leaders won’t recognise it. But Jesus, being both God and man, knows all matters of timing and coming controversies, and forbids them sharing this knowledge.
As CS Lewis said memorably about evil spirits, we can fall into equal but opposite errors: “One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” As we seek a balanced view, we can look to Jesus’ exchange with the demons; he acknowledges their presence but limits their influence. Of course we’re not Jesus, but we ask him to exercise his authority when it comes to the evil spirits of our age. We trust in him and celebrate his rule and reign.
Loving God, thank you that Jesus is Lord in our world; let him be Lord of my life. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY