Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

Read

Luke 4:38-44 (NRSV)

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.

At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

Reflect

I’m a preacher’s kid. We moved around some while I was growing up. This scripture reminds me of moving because every time callings changed, there were always friends we left behind to whom we wanted to cling. It was important that we did not stay in one place; there were other people who needed to be in our lives.

I do not perform miracles nor have I ever seen a human being who can. Seeing Jesus do such wonderful things must have been addictive. I don’t think any of us would want to let him go on his way to the next village.

We may not be able to perform miracles, but we can spread God’s love everywhere we go. Imagine what our world would be like if love was everywhere we turned; it would be like seeing miracles happen every day.

Pray

God, help us to see the beauty in the world today. Open our eyes and hearts to the everyday miracles. Be with us as we spread God’s love. Amen.

Go with God.