Read Luke 4:38-39
Jesus Help Me!
Simon Peters mother-in-law was very sick with a high fever. They asked Jesus to help her. So Jesus went to her, bent over her, rebuked the fever and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.
Let’s break this passage down:
1. Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was very sick with a high fever. “Very sick” means it was serious. High fevers often were associated with malaria which could be deadly or long-lasting. Is there something your currently going through that you’d say is SERIOUS or even LONG-LASTING?
2. They asked Jesus to help her. That’s a great idea, turn to Jesus for help. Actually, the Bible instructs us to take everything to Jesus in prayer. Do you?
3. Jesus went to her. Why wouldn’t he? He loves her. He loves you too. We may not see Jesus but he comes to us! When we draw near to God, it says he draws near to us. When we lose focus of the Lord, he’s still available, but he’s waiting for us to cry out, call out, or humbly pray. Jesus is in your midst. Accept that by faith. Take comfort in that. Find joy in that! Let that fact always encourage your spirit.
4. Jesus bent over her. Here we see Jesus confronting the sickness. He’s facing the problem. Do we face our problems? Or do we try to hide or escape from them? Never give up. Continue to face the issue before you, no matter how long it lasts.
5. Jesus rebukes the fever. May we learn to do the same thing. What’s your problem? Let us learn to stand in God’s power and authority and rebuke the devil in our sickness or over our serious problems. Don’t let what you’re going through control you.
6. Simon’s mother-in-law was healed and got up immediately. Again, we may not find relief at once. But God is in control. He’s at work. Daily confront and rebuke the enemy in your situation. Daily walk in confidence without letting it control your attitude and heart. Keep persevering.
7. Simon’s mother-in-law immediately began to wait on them. She immediately took a position of servanthood. She served others. Are you able to serve others with your actions, with your words of encouragement, or with prayer? Are you losing focus on helping others because you are struggling with your own issue? It’s easy to do. I remember a man confined to his bed. He was so in love with the Lord. If anyone came over he would always act like they were more important than himself. He would always say God bless you when you left.
Lord, intervene in our needs. Help us not lose focus of you or others. Help me to remember to love others, encourage others, and pray for others.
