February 4 Worship

SJLC Sermons

In this episode, we follow Jesus and his disciples as they navigate their spiritual journey, witnessing miracles and confronting pressures of the world along the way. This compelling narrative begins with Jesus leaving the synagogue to enter the house of Simon and Andrew. Here, we find Simon's mother-in-law, ill with fever. In a striking act of kindness, Jesus takes her by the hand, lifts her up, and the fever departs from her, illustrating the power of faith and the transforming love of God.

As the evening approaches, the scene shifts as the whole city gathers around, each person beset with illness or afflicted by demons. Undeterred by the tumult, Jesus extends his healing powers, curing many of their diseases, and exorcising demons. In these remarkable acts, we see Jesus's compassion and the divine powers entrusted upon him. Yet amidst the miracles, an important message resonates, reminding us of the true essence of the gospel.

Following the tumultuous events, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to seek solace and to pray, which links to the contemporary concept of 'forest bathing'. Similar to this mindful practice amidst nature, Jesus's retreat into the wilderness is viewed as a means to reconnect with God and restore spiritual equilibrium. Herein, we uncover the age-old wisdom about seeking spiritual restoration amidst nature, away from the sensory overstimulation that typically engulfs human civilization.

The frantic quest of the disciples to find Jesus in the wilderness captures the worldly temptation of busyness that often distracts us from the peace and wholeness offered by God. This episode calls out the perils of being bound to the pressures of worldly gains, material possessions, and social status while losing sight of spiritual well-being.

In the end, the narrative returns to an image of selfless service, distinguishing it from work—a profound distinction that stems from one's connection with God. The gospel concludes with a beautiful image of restoration and resurrection, which allows Peter's mother-in-law to serve selflessly. This transformation into a life of service, which bears witness to the gospel, is what every encounter with Jesus invites us to.

Ultimately, the message implores us to seek wholeness and restoration in God and resist the world's temptations to busyness and distraction. By carving out moments of silence, by taking a restful walk in the wilderness, or by experiencing the healing wonders of 'forest bathing', we can open our heart to God's love, embrace the message of resurrection, and transform our lives into a meaningful service of others.