Passing On The Blessing

Passing On The Blessing

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them. Mark 1:29-31

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a high fever, and Simon was very concerned about her. I’m sure the other disciples were, too, but let’s face it, they were probably a little disappointed. They had planned to spend the night at Simon’s. They were expecting an evening meal and a place to sleep. But with Simon’s mother-in-law in bed, their choices became limited; they couldn’t have a pizza delivered or order Chinese takeout. In addition, they had to be worried about catching whatever it was she had.

When I receive a call from the hospital or nursing home staff, the first thing I do is ask about the patient’s temperature. God created our bodies to heal themselves when something goes wrong; and in its simplest form, a fever is often a sign that the patient is fighting an infection.

But in the ancient world, before aspirin and antibiotics, a fever could signal a life-threatening illness. In fact, the fever itself could be life-threatening.

That’s why it was so important for Jesus to go directly to the bedside of Simon’s mother-in-law. There, he took her hand and helped her to sit up. Immediately the fever was gone, and she was able to get up.

Think about how complete this healing was. Most of us, when we’ve been sick, will still be fatigued and in need of rest, even after the fever is gone. But Simon’s mother-in-law felt good enough immediately to get out of bed and begin preparing a meal for everyone.

I believe she did exactly what Jesus wants all of us to do. When he blesses us, whether financially, with good health, or in some other way, he wants us to pass that blessing along to someone else.

TODAY’S RX

For your own good health, pass along a blessing to someone else.

God, you’ve shown me your great love through the kind acts of others when I’ve been sick. Please help me to do the same, shining your light and love on those in need.