Holston Daily Devotional February 7, 2021

Focus Scripture

Mark 1:29-39Jesus Heals Many at Simon’s House

29 As soon as they[a] left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

A Preaching Tour in Galilee

35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38 He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Devotion

“Jesus Knew When To Leave”

Anyone who has ever held a job, whether at a fast food restaurant, a fortune 500 company, or any place in between, knows that a time comes when you debate if you should leave. Sometimes, this thought of leaving is prompted by something that happened: a missed opportunity, a disagreement, or a change in management. Other times, it is prompted by a feeling of disgruntlement, restlessness, or lack of opportunities. Depending on your circumstances, perhaps you have felt like it was time to leave, to move on, but couldn’t. In our scripture today, Jesus seemed to be aware of when it was time to move on.

He finds himself in the hometown of Peter. After performing an exorcism in the town, he goes to Peter’s house, perhaps for rest, and heals Peter’s mother-in-law. The scriptures state that there are many witnesses to this healing. It says the whole town was there! Now, while the writer of Mark may label this area a city, it is more in line with a small town in modern definitions. Regardless, everyone is there. He forbids them all to speak of what he has done. Throughout the gospel of Mark, Jesus is always telling people to keep quiet about him and his work. Jesus seems to be saying, “Don’t speak of this, it isn’t time yet.”

n the later part of our scripture for today, a section that is often overlooked, Jesus sneaks out under the cover of darkness. He finds a quiet place alone and he prays. While he is there, everyone is looking for him. No doubt, there are more people in the town he has escaped that still need him and the healing that he brings. Yet Jesus knows that he was not sent to stay in one place. He has done all he was intended to do there. That is when he does something that is so hard for many of us. Jesus moves on. He tells the disciples that it is time to go to the next town for that is what he was sent for. Jesus heeds his calling and leaves.

I am not suggesting we all leave our jobs in search of new ones. But perhaps there is something in your life that you have been trying to leave behind and just can’t seem to. A bad habit, a relationship that isn’t healthy, or a new adventure or task you have been afraid to begin. Today, take time like Jesus to find space alone and pray. Ask God to show you how you can move forward toward your calling and purpose. May God direct your paths today and always.

Prayer

All-knowing God, today we ask for you to speak into our lives. Help us to leave behind the things that no longer serve our purpose and calling. Help us to step away from things that do not bring us closer to you. Help us to be brave enough to embrace change when it is time. Most importantly, help us to know that you are with us each step of the way. Amen.