September 26

September 26

Jesus' Ministry at Sea of Galilee -- Jesus heals a daughter & a hemorrhaging woman.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Luke 8:41-56

Reading 2: Mark 5:21-43

Reading 3: Matthew 9:14-38

After the worst leadership retreat in history (yesterday's trip across the lake in a storm to meet a demoniac), Jesus brings His disciples back to the other side of the lake.

Here they learn a lesson about God at work in interruptions. A woman with a hemorrhage stops Jesus on His way to the synagogue leader's home where his daughter is dying. During the interaction with the woman, the little girl dies, but the woman is miraculously healed.

After the delay, Jesus has a different viewpoint on the girl's need than that of the crowd. They know she is dead (and are wailing and mourning in response). He says she is merely asleep, and removes the faithless from the gathering before restoring her to life. News of this miracle sweeps the Galilean region, and as a result two blind men receive their sight and another demoniac is set free, restoring his ability to speak.

All these signs of God's power lead Jesus to say "the harvest is great, but the workers are few".

How can you answer God's call to work in His great harvest by bringing His freedom to others?

Have a great day!

Mark.