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Monday June 2 - The best doctor
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
The modern medical profession has developed practices and customs to safeguard those they treat; think about values such as autonomy, choice, dignity, informed consent, confidentiality, or beneficence (the duty to act in a patient’s best interest). Of course as we think about these values we might call to mind rogue doctors, those who have inflicted pain. But I invite you to consider Jesus as the Best Doctor Ever; after all, he displayed all of these qualities in the best way possible as he healed and set people free. And through his Spirit living in us, he brings healing today too. (I should add that Jesus is our healer, but of course he might bring that healing through the gifts and wisdom of our medical doctors!).
We see how the teachers of the religious law are quick to criticise Jesus for eating with sinners, but he won’t be deterred. He announces that he’s come for the lost and those mired in sin. And in his healing of the paralysed man or those troubled by demons, he practises his healing medicine.
Jesus’ message here of coming for the sinful is a condensed version of the gospel. We who fail and fall are scooped up by Jesus. All we need to do is to believe. When we do, he will save us and usher us into paths of righteousness and well-being.
Loving Jesus, thank you for rescuing me and putting me on a path of righteousness. Please help me each day to follow you. Amen.
Tuesday June 3 - The comforter!
Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. Mark 3:7
We see Jesus bringing more healing as he makes well the man’s withered hand in the synagogue, on the Sabbath no less (Mark 3:1-5). However, his actions bring even more angst and plotting from the religious leaders as they wonder who is this man, who by his words and actions upsets their expectations of life, of God and of how things should be done.
I wonder how wearied Jesus felt from this commotion and conflict. Mark doesn’t say, but he shares that Jesus exits the place of conflict (the synagogue) and takes his friends to the lake. He’s not free from the bustling crowds, those who want to hear him and receive his healing. But he has removed himself from the biting words of those who oppose him.
I wonder too about those times when we could lean on God for direction about whether we might withdraw and, for instance, seek the refuge we can find on the (metaphorical) calm waters of a lake. God calls us to stand firm for him, defending our faith, but he welcomes us to rest in him, and find refreshment too. Through his Holy Spirit he will lead us. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, he will guide us to the quiet waters that refresh our souls (Psalm 23:2-4). We know that he’s with us.
Lord, I know that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6). I love you! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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