Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Candle Lighting: Come, Lord Jesus.
Opening Prayer:
Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming that transformed by grace we may walk in your way.
Today's Text: Matthew 8: 14-17, 24-34
Jesus Heals Many
14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”
Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
The New Testament and subsequent theological writings reflecting on the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth have contributed a number of images of Jesus and Christological titles to the theological treasury of the church. In all of them the image of Jesus as healer stands out with various nuances shaped by the context of a given Christian community. That image is going to remain as long as human beings are in need of healing from various forms of brokenness in their earthly pilgrimage, self imposed or imposed from outside. Advent is a time of remembering and celebrating the coming of the savior for healing and restoring all humanity. That remembrance and celebration has continued for more than 2000 years and will continue as Christians and churches engage in the ministry of healing following the example of Jesus. The only thing the church needs to do is continue to proclaim that there is no illness and brokenness that can not be healed by Jesus, the risen Lord, and do whatever is possible within its means to demonstrate that gospel truth.
Father,
Be with us Lord. Help us to know that it is Christ alone who can heal our brokenness. As our anticipation grows may we draw ever nearer to you. Help us to know and believe your promises of healing and justice.
Amen
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it. 1 Thes. 5
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations. Is. 61
Thanks to:The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, ELCA and http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112810.html
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN
Called as God's People
Equipped by the Holy Spirit
Sent to boldly proclaim the love of Jesus Christ to all people.
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