January 14 | Mark 2:1-22

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DAILY READING

Mark 2:1-22

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REFLECTION

The sick and the sinners - that's us

by Elaine Pierce

There is a lot going on in these 22 verses! Jesus heals a paralytic, he calls Levi, a hated tax collector, to join his band of disciples, and he is called out for not fasting like John's disciples and the pious Pharisees. What do we make of all of this activity? Jesus meets people where they are, and he is not afraid of controversy. And he knows our hearts. These five words in verse

5 can be an encouragement and a challenge to all of us: When Jesus saw their faith.

The paralytic's friends were resourceful, and they believed that Jesus could heal him. Jesus saw their faith, and his response was both to heal physically and spiritually, which sent the Pharisees into a tailspin. Yes, Jesus also saw their hearts (see v. 8). We can cloak our self interest in religious language, but the Lord knows when we are sinning and when we are looking to him for guidance and wisdom.

Perhaps the verse to focus on today is 17: "it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners."

I don't know about you, but my sinful nature wants to say, who me - I'm not sick! A sinner? Not me - look at all those other people doing those awful things. I'm righteous. I go to church every Sunday, and I read my Bible every day. And on and on. But Jesus knows my heart. He knows your heat. And he came for us, to free us from our sin and to give us eternal life. What a gift! A gift only available if we kneel at his feet and follow him.

PRAYER

Lord, I read the book of Mark and I am struck by your care, your compassion, and your love for the sick and the sinner - yes, that's me. I come to you with nothing to offer, and yet you welcome me with open arms, and you bid me to follow you. Thank you for your mercy, and help me today to be your disciple. Amen.

January 13 | Mark 1:40-45

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DAILY READING

Mark 1:40-45

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REFLECTION

Desperately Sick

by Mary Alice McGinnis

On January 2, 2024, COVID reared its ugly head in my household. As I am writing this now, I am feeling the effects on my body. The aches and pains. The chills and the congestion. And what is worse? Feeling like I should not go out into public in fear of infecting other people. Fortunately, most people who contract COVID these days recover, unlike leprosy in Jesus’ day.

Contracting leprosy in biblical times was a death sentence. There was no cure. The disease starts in the extremities, such as the fingers and toes or the face and head. Slowly, the acid-like bacteria rots the skin and destroys nerve endings. The decaying flesh produces a horrific odor that is repulsive. People who had leprosy were like walking death—the living dead. And there was no cure.

Add to all that, the stigma that was attached to the disease. Lepers were outcasts of society. They were thought to be “unclean” and therefore “unworthy” of anyone’s attention or concern. Many thought lepers were sick because they were being punished for something. They lived in shame, isolated, and alone in the world.

The man who approached Jesus in today’s reading knew his hopeless situation. No special ointment would help him. No change in behavior or habits would fix him. No magic diet would reverse the effects. Not even a special doctor could prescribe something to cure him.

He was convinced that no one could “cleanse” him from this horrific disease - no one that is except God Himself. Yet he comes humbly to Jesus, at the end of his rope. No more options. Somehow, he knew Jesus could cure him and make him clean. Doesn’t it make you wonder how he knew?

His only doubt was Jesus’ willingness to cleanse him. 

Doesn’t this sound like us? When caught in the clutches of sin, it often starts out slow, but the rotting process spreads and begins to destroy us. There is no cure. The spread of this disease of sin will rot us and will eventually lead to death.

We must come to a place where we realize the seriousness of our situation. There is no cure, no one in this world who can cleanse us. No new habits or rituals that will fix us. No doctor with the right prescription. No magic answers. Our diagnosis is terminal.

God is the ONLY ONE who can make us clean.

Just like with the leper, when we humbly come to Jesus, He reaches out His hand to us in compassion and says:

“I am willing! Be clean!”

PRAYER

Bring your helplessness and need before our Savior Jesus through this stanza of “Jesus Friend of Sinner” by Casting Crowns.

Lord, I am that lost cause

And I am the outcast

But You died for sinners just like me

A grateful leper at Your feet.

January 12 | Mark 1:35-39

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DAILY READING

Mark 1:35-39

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REFLECTION

What Does Solitude Do for the Soul?

by Jennifer Jerrome

Sometimes you just need to get away and pray.

It’s true that Jesus’ focus on earth was to preach. He says very clearly in verse 38, “That is why I have come.” Preaching the Good News, healing the sick and driving out demons, all are momentous things, but I believe Jesus did some of his greatest work when he went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (v. 35). It was during these times that he renewed his mind before continuing his mission.

The disciples missed what was happening during those early morning hours while they slept. When they noticed he was gone, they went in search of him and exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you.” By that time, Jesus was ready to hit the road again. He was restored and prepared for what was to come.

Later in Mark’s gospel, after Jesus sent out the twelve, the disciples got to experience for themselves what Jesus had been dealing with.. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place (Mark 6:31-32). 

Physical, mental, and spiritual rest is what makes Jesus’ ministry possible. Although he is God, his work on earth was done in a body that required rest. And rest done in the presence of God is what refreshes the soul.

I read a prayer that said, “Dear God, help me find my rest in you.” That’s the momentous act, simply finding our rest in God. Sure, the works are good, but it’s in the rest that hope and joy and peace are found.

So, stop and find a solitary place to talk with God (if you haven't already.) Be warned though, your brain will find 1,000 ways to fill the silence, but my prayer is that in those moments you will find rest that renews your mind and refreshes your soul.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the words of Luke 5:16, But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. It is my new favorite verse. Jesus withdrew again and again, and so should we. May 2024 be a year of solitude for us all. Amen.