Blessed to be a Blessing

Luke 4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

Bless her heart! Peter's mom-in-law was a good lady. Getting along in years (good night, she must have been in her 40s by now!) she had come down with pretty bad fever. Walgreen's was closed and Ibuprofen hadn't been developed yet, so she was in a pretty bad way.

It was a good thing that Peter's house was just across the street from the synagogue. It was a good thing that Jesus was in town and the He was filled with the Holy Spirit. It was a good thing that Peter thought to have Jesus over!

You know, when Jesus comes to your house, things will never be the same. When He shows up, the devil ships out. When the Good News comes in the front door, the bad news makes its way out the back.

Jesus had already had quite a day, preaching and teaching in the synagogue and chasing several unclean spirits out of a man right there in church!

Now He makes His way across the street to Peter's and lo and behold, Mom-in-law needs the touch of the Master's hand. A severe fever was no match for the One who had just whooped the devil in the wilderness, 3 to zip. Then, he trounced him again over at the synagogue, score: 4 to a big goose egg. So, He rebukes the fever and all is well once again in the Peter household. 5-0, game over!

But what happens next is the wonderful thing. This dear lady didn't start complaining about all her other problems and ailments, she got up, washed her hands and went to work! Hallelujah!

Most people think that once Jesus does something great for them, it is time to bask in the sunshine of that glory. But this fine lady was saved to serve, blessed to be a blessing, healed to help. Freely she had received, so freely, she would give.

God, grant us more people like this good sister who really got it. When the Son of God ministered to her need, she figured one good turn deserves another.

Lord, you have been so good to me! You have saved my soul, blessed my family, given me a positive bank balance, a home in heaven, a great church, wonderful friends and a good, good life. How could I do anything but minister to and for you. Show me today how I can best bless you and your work. In Jesus' name, Amen!