Jesus, Master Healer, Glorious God, and Friend
Where it starts
This is where most people think life starts…with the strong desire to accomplish something! Something worth while. As Christians we aught to look at this desire differently than the world, but sadly, I have to admit, do we? Or is it just labeled differently? When I look at my ambitions, my accomplishments, I have to ask questions of myself.
Am I in service to my Lord for His glory (it always must come down to this) and purpose or am I accomplishing something for my glory and purpose.
The distinction is extremely important.
Am I following orders or giving orders?
Am I in service or in control?
Am I striving or in peaceful, restful action?
There is a distinction…
The Gospel of Mark reveals (Mark 1:29-34) that as soon as Jesus and the disciples left the synagogue they went to Simon and Andrew’s home There they were fed (probably by Peter’s wife) and rested – but later, after sunset, that evening the whole town showed up at Simon’s door, expecting, calling, seeking – and Jesus went into action. So what kind of action is it. Does it look the same as ours, I’d like to think it does, however, I suspect a difference.
But…
Watch Him…
Jesus’ action is different…it’s restful…quiet…deliberate…
He does not rush the people through…like cattle in a cattle chute…
Jesus “looks” at every single one…
Jesus “hears” the voice of the one before Him…
Every single soul in front of Him is dear and important to Him…
There is a rest that surrounds Him – the closer one gets – the more serene the air
Even in the midst of a jostling, smelly, anxious, needy and curious crowd…
Come with me for an imaginary visit to the house of Simon Peter on this night when the whole village visited his home. Let’s have a peek at what may have happened…
The Night the Town was Healed
Everyone is there…from rich to poor, from young to old…
everyone wants to see, hear…and everyone has their agenda
I have to admit…so do I…
I want to see Him, hear Him, have Him touch me…
I start to thrust my own way to the front where He is…
I can just barely start to hear Him…
What is it about this man that we are all here struggling to get close to Him…
I need to get there and my elbow comes out…
Suddenly…now…I am just about before Him…
He, Jesus is right there…O…I may be next…if I can hold my place…there –
Oh my, He is looking at me…
Sounds fade…time slows…colors brighten in His eyes…Jesus is happy to see me, Me…
strangely I know that He knows me, How? There is familiarity in the look…
Everything is lost in His slow, quiet, knowing smile…all my questions, all my doubts, everything…His hand reaches out and across the space that separates me from Him and He gentle caresses my cheek…bringing us close…everything stops…everything disappears…except His all-knowing, deeply penetrating, yet safe, healing gaze…
His presence surrounds me…
fills me…every corner, every crack…
wounds are touched…with no pain...healed …
my dry wells are filled with living water
my stagnant pools are freed – released
No word has been said – yet, everything has been said.
I’ve stolen nothing from Him – yet, He has given me everything
I am filled, full and complete in Him…
I close my eyes – His love intensely searching – yet, safely holding…
Time is no longer of the essence…
I can’t remember if its been five minuets or five days…
Slowly I begin to sense people again
The air is clear and warm
The peacefulness an insulating blanket
Against the impatience of those who are attempting to move me back…
I step out of their way – aware that the healer has moved on
Yet…I know He hasn’t left me…
I look towards Him…
He lifts His head and gently turns my way…
Nodding…reassurance of His love…His call…
His call which freshly fills me anew at His gaze…Yes oh, yes Jesus…
I become aware that I will never be the same again
My eyes, filled with Him
My hears, filled with His unspoken Words
My heart, overflowing with love and security
I look up – and my eyes catch the seeking glance of another…
Trembling they ask…is it safe?
My smile, slow and confident…
My touch, reassuring and steady…
Go…He is all you need, I tell them
Go, go see Jesus
They look towards Him, and I move to free their way…
Free their own personal journey to Jesus
All is different…yet, all is the same…
That my friends is quiet service rendered for and in love of the Savior. Action with purpose, His purpose.
Jesus, I am out of breath and full at the same time…You truly are all we need…in You is our peace, our quietness, our rest. In You, all that is temporal melts away like coastal fog in the morning and remarkably the eternal is made visible, made clear, accessible. In You life is transformed/transfigured as You were so gloriously on the mountain.
You give us
strength to be taken into the valley
hope, assurance and confidence of Your love and acceptance.
Thank-You Precious Lord.
© 2010 UlrikeGrace
