Look at the Book. Temptation

Pray daily for pastors in the Slavic countries (as well as your own) that they will have wisdom and power from God to preach the Word effectually and to care for all of the saints. Pray that the convicting power of the Holy Spirit will accompany the preaching of God’s Word throughout all lands. Ask God to stir up Christians to use their God-given freedom to the fullest advantage in making known everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

Jesus Christ was sent by God to the world to save mankind from sin. And providing salvation, Jesus came to serve. In turn, those individuals who Jesus touched with wisdom, healing and wholeness desired to serve Him. Once such example was the mother-in-law of Simon Peter (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-33; Luke 4:38-41).

Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John departed from a synagogue in Capernaum with Jesus. Jesus had just healed a man who was possessed with an evil spirit. It was the Sabbath, and this action angered the Pharisees; but the other attendees were amazed at the authority of the words and actions of Jesus. (Synagogue services were held at 9 AM and 3 PM. More than likely, the group attended the afternoon service.)

The five men came to Peter’s house to relax from a busy day, to discuss the ordeal in the synagogue or just to enjoy a meal together with some peace and quiet. When they entered the house, the hostess was not busy about her business but sick in bed with a “great” fever (Luke 4:38). Jesus “saw” the situation (Matthew 8:14). And the others brought the matter to the attention of Jesus.

Jesus approaches the bed, “stood over” the ailing woman and “rebukes the fever” (Luke 4:39). He takes the mother-in-law by the hand and “lifted her up” from the bed (Mark 1:31). Immediately, she hurries to serve her guests with hospitality. The after effects of headache, weakness or fatigue have disappeared. Five men are hungry and must be fed.

When the Sabbath concluded at 6 PM, the whole “city” gathered at Peter’s door (Mark 1:33). Others have come for healing to this One who has authority over disease and demon possession. “He laid His hands on every one of them” (Luke 4:40). One man, one mother-in-law and many, many others are healed by the actions of Jesus Christ, “the Son of God” (Luke 4:41), in the city of Capernaum.

After healing, the healed one has an obligation and an opportunity. That one can serve the Healing Savior! Has Jesus shared with you salvation? Have you been healed from the disease of sin? What are you doing after acknowledging, accepting and applying salvation from Jesus in your life? Are you ready to serve the Savior just like the mother-in-law of Simon Peter?

Rob Zapotoski

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Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

Hebrews 3:4

The Lord will resume His dealing with the nations, as well as with the Chosen nation, when He has completed the church in this Age of Grace. God is working today “to take out” of the nations “a people for His name” (Acts 15:14). Ask God to empower every witness that is proclaiming this message of love to sinful men. Pray continually that the Holy Spirit will convict men of their need of Christ. “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).