MUSINGS

DELIVERANCE FROM FEVER It must be full of meaning that in his very first chapter Mark, who presents the Lord as the Servant, and as the model for all service, tells us about the mother-in-law of Simon who was lying in a fever. Clearly the disciples felt it was an urgent case to bring to the Lord for “straightway they speak to him about her”. Jesus “went up to her and raised her up, having taken her by the hand, and straightway the fever left her, and she served them”. We cannot serve effectively if we are feverish; we must come under the calming, controlling touch of the hand of Jesus. Then—and only then—can He use us. But He wants to use us; He quickly recovered Simon’s mother-in-law to restful service. Mark’s gospel ends with the comment that the disciples, going forth, preached everywhere, “the Lord working with them”. There was no fever with them, nothing that would prevent the Lord from confirming the work of their hands.

FCM