Mark- My Words (2)

 

Jesus went into the meeting place in a town called Capernaum.  He stood up to speak, and the people were amazed.  His words were alive with meaning, unlike their usual offering.

I man present who was seriously unwell called out to Jesus, “What are you going to do to us Jesus?  I know that you have come from the Creator.” 

“Quiet now”, Jesus gently chided, and the man shook uncontrollably.  But when he recovered, he was restored in body and mind.  The people were astonished and wonder, ‘He speak with authority; he behaves with authority’, and the word went round that an extraordinary thing had happened.

Jesus and his new friends moved on to Simon and Andrew’s house.  Simon’s mother-in-law was very ill in bed with a fever.  Jesus went to her bedside and took her hand.  She became well and was able to join the party.  That very evening, people in the neighbourhood began bringing sick people to Jesus.  It was as if the whole town was at their door.  And Jesus’ presence made them all well.  But Jesus kept quiet about his true nature.

Before daybreak, Jesus got up and went into the hills to be close to the Creator.  Simon and a few other noticed and followed him.  When Simon caught up, he explained that everyone was still clamouring for him.  Jesus explained that they could not just stay in one place; they had to move on, village by village. 

A man saw Jesus and came to him.  He had an incurable deadly disease. 

“I know”, he said, “if you had the inclination, you could make me well.”  Jesus, full of compassion replied, “and I do, and you will be well.”  Jesus warned the man, “go and get yourself certified as well, and thank the Creator for your life.  Keep this between us.”  But the man couldn’t help himself and told everyone he met what Jesus had done.  As a result, the whole neighbourhood was out to find Jesus.

Beauty is more that skin deep.  Beauty radiates out of a person from inside.  When Jesus stood up to speak, the Spirit of the creator radiated out.  The words may have been similar to others, but the authority came from the maker of time and space.  Proximity to Jesus meant wellness; it could not be helped.  Like a bright illumination of light, everything became apparent.

What is it about the way I live that gives me access to the same Spirit?  I think of Moses going up onto the mountain top.  

The mundane is brought to life and set on fire.