Relief of Suffering
“As
soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of
Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and
they immediately told Jesus about her. So
he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she
began to wait on them. Mk. 1:29-31
Jesus went to people who were suffering. He visited the suffering and healed the
suffering, as evidenced by going to where Peter’s house. There was Peter’s mother in law, in bed with
a fever. Note that Jesus went to her,
she didn’t go to Him. She probably
couldn’t because of the illness. So
Jesus went to her. This is the same
Jesus who comes to us.
As soon as Jesus took her hand
and helped her up, the fever vanished.
Her suffering was relieved by the presence, power, love and compassion
of Jesus. Our Lord had a way of traveling
to where the need was in order to meet the need in an exceedingly abundant
way. It was surprising, shocking and
controversial, especially among those who were looking for a Messiah that would
be far removed from pain, suffering, and woundedness. Our King of Kings set Himself right into the
midst of it.
What follows is wonderful. The fever left and she began to wait on
them. The tables were turned and this
became the woman’s act of glorifying God.
The one who was suffering became the one who was serving and glorifying
God. Friends, this is out story. We have an encounter with Jesus and we are
healed, restored, changed. We go from
bed-ridden to serving and praising and glorifying our Lord and Savior.
Jesus did not eliminate suffering
in our lives; however, for those who believe and call upon His Name, He will
come to them in their time of need. With
Christ we are not abandoned, forsaken, or alone.
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