Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 2– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with fever, so [the disciples] told Jesus about her at once.” 

—Mark 1:30

This is a very interesting little peep into the home-life of Peter, the “Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the exercise of ministry; indeed, the Lord’s gracious work in one’s own family may instruct the teacher better than any other discipline. Some groups may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together.

Peter’s house was probably a poor fisherman’s hut, but the Lord of glory entered it, lodged in it, and performed a miracle in it. If this little meditation is read today in some very humble place, let this fact encourage you to seek the company of King Jesus: God is more often in “little huts” than in rich palaces. Jesus is with you right now waiting to be gracious to you.

Now, sickness had entered Peter’s house, but, as soon as Jesus came, he hastened to his mother-in-law’s bedside. Do you have you any sickness in the house today? You will find Jesus by far the best Physician. Go to him at once and tell him all about the matter. It concerns one of his people, and, therefore, it is not trivial to him.

And then, lastly, notice that the Savior at once restored the sick woman. We may not be sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know this– that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and when this doesn’t happen, we must meekly bow to his will by whom life and death are determined.

The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, so today let us pour them into his patient ear. [M&E]