The Doctor is Always In - Mark 1:29-34

"And immediately after they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with fever; and immediately they spoke to Him about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.


"And when evening had come, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases; and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was." (Mark 1:29-34)

Today's text is a pretty straightforward one. In times past it would be one that I probably wouldn't even bother to blog about. But I am sort of on a personal mission here with the book of Mark. I am really trying to soak up and meditate on every single thing I can about my Jesus. I don't want to miss even a morsel right now, so bear with me as I take note of several simple truths from this passage.
First, I notice just how busy our Lord was while on the earth. He has just been preaching in the synagogue. He has just dealt with a demon and now "immediately" after these things He is heading to the house of His friends - probably to enjoy some homespun hospitality. BUT when they arrive they find Simon's mother-in-law very sick and so, once again, Jesus goes to work. No doubt, our Savior didn't come to be idle. He came to do the work of the kingdom! And do it He did!

Second, I notice the tenderness with which our Lord deals with the afflicted. He comes to this feverish one and raises her up, taking her by the hand.
"Taking
      her
          by
             the
                hand!"


This is the first time this phrase makes an appearance here in Mark, but it occurs many more and it encourages me each time I run across it.

These words may not mean much to you, but I am one who has really been made to see my own weaknesses in recent months. Knowing that Jesus recognizes the frailty of His people and reaches out His own hand to take ours is a marvelous thought. In the passage before us, it is a physical hand aiding in the cure of a physical ailment. In my own life, it has been an invisible spiritual hand, reaching out to me through the pages of the Word and along the paths of providence. How thankful I am for a personal Savior who still takes us by the hand and raises us up out of the pits we often dig for ourselves!


Third, I notice that there are literal multitudes running to Jesus for refuge, rescue, and redemption. After He has healed Simon's loved one the crowds start coming. People are bringing the sick and the satanically assaulted. It would seem that the entire city has gathered at the door. And well they should!! "Wherever Christ is, there let His patients be!" (Matthew Henry).


Fourth, I notice that despite a LONG day Jesus just keeps on giving and giving and giving! He doesn't send them away with a "sorry, worn slap out!" He doesn't hang out the old "Out to lunch! Be back in 1 hour" sign. No! The Doctor is in and He goes to the masses and works miracles!


Beloved, this is our Jesus! He does not grow weary of our cries. He does not get frustrated at the continual needs which we bring to Him. He comes to us with that compassionate hand, that outstretched hand, that healing and helping hand.


What is your need? What is plaguing you? What is weighing you down? What is holding you captive? Bring it to Jesus! Crowd close to His door! Cry out to His compassionate character!

He will not disappoint! He will not despise! He will deliver! Draw near to the door of the divine Doctor and find help and healing in His outstretched hand. The Doctor is always in and He delights to make house calls!


In His glorious grace,
Lori