Calms Storms, Heals Sick, Raises Dead

Prayer Practice

Lectio – Read today’s passage through once. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word.

 

DAILY READING

Luke 8:22-56

REFLECTION

Beyond Rescue – Promise of Hope

by Mary McGinnis

Today’s scripture focuses on four accounts of Jesus meeting people in a time of desperate need. In each story, the people Jesus interacts with seem to be in circumstance that are overwhelming and beyond rescue. In each one of these terrifying, gut wrenching, impossible situations, Jesus meets all of these people with a word of hope and promise! 

Take time to write in your journal today using these headings as a guide for your meditation. May these be a springboard for your journaling exploration today.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where God might be speaking these same questions into your life today.

• In each story, what circumstances seemed overwhelmingly hopeless. How is this a picture of things that feel overwhelming in my life?

-         A violent storm arose in the midst of the Sea of Galilee, and threatened to capsize the disciple’s boat.

-         A demon possessed man was out of control, some may say even insane. The people tried to chain him with shackles, but they could not restrain him. He lived among the tombs.

-         The woman had been helplessly bleeding for 12 years, and no physician could heal her. She was sick, frail, ostracized and financially broke.

-         Jarius’ precious 12-year-old daughter was sick and on the brink of death.

• In each story, the characters are called to believe in the face of their fears. What were their fears? What do I fear most?

-     The disciples feared their lives and their mission (and Jesus’) would be cut short         and drowned forever. They thought Jesus didn’t care.

-         Jesus left the demon possessed man to minister where he lived even though he longed to be with Jesus.

-         The bleeding woman was afraid to come to Jesus directly. She touched only the fringe of His garment because she was unclean and felt ashamed.

-         Jarius feared losing his only daughter. As Jesus was delayed, Jarius’ fears escalated while he had to wait.  

•  What does Jesus do that is unexpected. How do I respond when things don't go as expected?  

-         Jesus goes to sleep.

-         Jesus goes to this god forsaken gentile place, speaks to demons, and cast them into swine.        

-         Jesus calls out an unclean woman who touched Him amid a throng of people.

-         Jesus, makes Jarius, a high ranking official and his concerns, wait while He tends to this unclean woman.

·      How could have remembering and holding onto Jesus’ promise helped them in their fear.  What promises of God can I hold on to.

-         Jesus had told His disciples, “Let us get into the boat and go to the other                 side.”  He knew the storm was ahead and said they would get to the other side.

-         Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Jesus tells him, “Return to your house and declare the Great things God has done for you.”

-         Despite the woman’s fear and shame of being exposed for “touching Jesus,” He calls her “Daughter.”

-         Jarius’ daughter dies. Yet Jesus says, “She is not dead but sleeping.” And “Only believe!”

•  How did the people respond to these miracles? How do I respond when God does something miraculous in my life?

          -         Disciples asked, “Who is this?”  They were afraid.

-         People who witnessed the demons go into the swine wonder who this was.  They asked Him to leave. The healed man tells all of what Jesus had done for him.

-         When Jesus says that He could “feel” power going out from Him, at first the woman withdrew in fear.

-         Jarius and his wife were astonished at what Jesus had done.

·      What did each restoring miracle reveal about who Jesus is.  What authority did it show He had then and still has NOW?

-         The wind and waves obeyed Him. He has authority over the elements and nature     itself. He restored calm in the midst of chaos. 

-         He had command demons and the forces of evil. Restores the man to himself.

-         He had authority over this woman’s pain, suffering and shame. He had the authority to restore her to healing in all three areas.

-         Jesus has authority over death itself. He restored life! He will restore me to full life, better than I can ever imagine! 

-         Jesus could have only done this by Divine authority. Therefore, He must be GOD Himself.

Lord Jesus, in my dire, seemingly impossible circumstance, help me to cling to You and Your promises. You are the Divine authority over all things. You calm the seas, have authority over evil, shame, sickness, suffering, even death. 

You are able to restore our souls, minds, and bodies in ways we cannot fully fathom. In my fears, lead me to I trust in YOU alone, because You have conquered even death itself. I can confidently rest in Your Almighty and Eternal hands. I know you will triumphantly restore all thing to Yourself in Glory one day!   In Jesus all Powerful Name we pray! Amen!