GOD Morning! February 19, 2016 / Compassion

GOD Morning!

February 19, 2016

Compassion

Mark 1:23-45

²³ Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat], ²⁴ saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” ²⁵ Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!” ²⁶ The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him. ²⁷ They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.”²⁸ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee.

Healing the Crowds

²⁹ And immediately they left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John. ³⁰ Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her. ³¹ Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them [as her guests].

³² Now when evening came, after the sun had set [and the Sabbath Day had ended, in a steady stream] they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were under the power of demons, ³³ until [it seemed as though] the whole city had gathered together at the door. ³⁴ And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him [recognizing Him as the Son of God].

³⁵ Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there. ³⁶ Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, ³⁷ and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” ³⁸ He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” ³⁹ So He went throughout Galilee, preaching [the gospel] in their synagogues and casting out demons.

⁴⁰ And a leper came to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You are able to make me ^[b]clean.” ⁴¹ Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” ⁴² The leprosy left him immediately and he was cleansed [completely healed and restored to health].⁴³ And Jesus [deeply moved] admonished him sternly and sent him away immediately, ⁴⁴ saying to him, “See that you tell no one anything [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as proof to them [that you are really healed].”⁴⁵ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news [of his healing], to such an extent that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city [where He was known], but stayed out in the unpopulated places; yet people were still coming to Him from everywhere.

My selfishness astounds me. Seriously. I like to be thought of as a nice, caring, giving person. But I prefer to give when it’s convenient for me.

Jesus went around casting out demons and disease. I truly believe casting out demons and disease was all in a day’s work for Him. He just willingly did what He was sent to earth to do. Without question. The perfect example of unselfishness.

He spent many hours in prayer, even all night prayer.

I believe His secret was prayer. Even in His darkest times, He did the right thing. Every time. You may say, “Well He was God. That’s why He always did the right thing.” Yes, you are partly right. But I believe that His secret was prayer. I believe that He could have succumbed to satan’s temptation in Matthew chapter 4. I believe that He had a choice. Here’s the key: When He was at His weakest point physically, He was at his strongest place spiritually. I believe that satan would have tempted Him anyway, even if He had not fasted for 40 days. And who knows, maybe He would have failed the temptation. And we would all be doomed for hell.

I believe that He was led by God to fast because God knew what was about to happen.

God knows the path that we take. He goes before us. He draws us into prayer so that He can guide us. He longs to give us wisdom and strength for those dark times that we will face in our lives.

Oops, I got off subject.

Well anyway, Jesus just gave Himself wholly to ministry. And to prayer and fasting. And as a result, He blessed so many hurting folks in His short time on earth, while on His journey to His Ultimate Sacrifice at the cross!

I long to be like Him!