"By this time they were in front of Peter's house. On entering, Jesus found Peter's mother-in-law sick in bed, burning up with fever. He touched her hand and the fever was gone. No sooner was she up on her feet than she was fixing dinner for him."
Seriously?
The woman was almost dead... and these people (Jesus included) are letting her fix dinner for them?!
So Peter's MIL is sick, near death and Jesus comes and heals her. And just like that she jumps out of bed and starts cooking? Didn't she want to just lay around a while and enjoy being pampered? Didn't she want to take advantage of full access to the remote - at least for one more day?! Didn't she find some pleasure in reaching over and ringing that little bell every time she needed another spot of tea? Watching people scurry about at her every beck and call?
But the more I chewed on this story, the less annoyed I got with the people in her home (yes, I even felt a tiny bit annoyed with Jesus)... here's why.
Peter's mother-in-law knew the gravity of her situation. She knew she'd been given another chance at life! She knew where she had been - and to where Jesus had now brought her... from death's door to a life that was whole, energized and complete!
And were I to look at my own life, and you look at yours, would we see ourselves in this woman's story? Can you remember the day that you lay dying, no hope of life left in your soul? No joy in living? Then Jesus walks into the room, and offers new life!
New health!
New hope!
When put into this perspective I understand. Peter's mother-in-law found joy in serving others, because now she knew what she had been saved from.
It's refreshing really.
There are enough Christians in this world who prefer the drama of deathbed living. We enjoy the tears and the attention that is ours. We like ringing our bell, holding the remote and reliving past sorrows. But friend, if Jesus has already walked into your room, then get up!
Get moving!
Make dinner!
Life isn't found in a dark bedroom, drawn expressions, and hushed tones. Jesus invites us to leave the deathbed of our past and experience life.
Peter's mother-in-law understood.
And she expressed her gratitude for second-chance living, by doing what Jesus did.
She served.
1 comment:
Yes!!!! Well said, well received. I'm suffering with a miserable case of poison ivy on my face this is yet another reminder that I have a LOT to be thankful for. I am not redeemed to feel sorry for myself, but to serve.
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