September 2, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her." — Mark 1:30 · KJV

This little glimpse into the house of the apostolic fisherman is very interesting. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry — indeed, since they give an opportunity of personally witnessing the Lord's gracious work on one's own flesh and blood, they may instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Some may disparage marriage, but true Christianity and family life agree well together. Peter's house was probably a poor fisherman's hut, yet the Lord of glory entered it, lodged in it, and worked a miracle in it. Should this little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let that fact encourage those within to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, waiting to be gracious to you. Sickness had entered Simon's house — a fever in deadly form had laid his mother-in-law low; and as soon as Jesus came, they told Him of the sad affliction, and He hastened to the patient's bed. Is there any sickness in your house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician; go to Him at once and tell Him all about it. Lay the case before Him immediately; it concerns one of His people, and so it will not be trivial to Him. Observe that the Savior restored the sick woman at once — none can heal as He does. We may not be certain that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely than anything else in the world to be followed by recovery; and where it does not avail, we must meekly bow to His will, by whom life and death are appointed. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs; let us pour them into His patient ear.