1/11/12 - People Gathered at the Door

Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
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Mark's gospel just jumps right into things. This picks up immediately after yesterday's passage, and it's full of action. It is the sabbath, and Christ has just cast out an unclean spirit. The same day he heals Simon's mother in law, and that evening he heals many. Word spreads like wildfire, and the whole town is waiting at the door.

We also see the first example in Mark's gospel of another example of Christ withdrawing to solitude to pray. I've been writing this email list for almost four years now, and I've written about this point at least half a dozen times over that period. Still, as of today -- I don't withdraw to pray as frequently as I should. I want to become a man who relies on Christ over and over, throughout the day. Every once and a while I get there, but I still drift in and out.

The example is right here in black and white - rise early, before dawn Pray in a deserted place where you won't be interrupted. Fiill up with the grace you need to get through the day. Then go to work.

Peace!