Thursday of the First Week in Lent

Read Luke 4:38–39

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Sabbath came, and I lay sick in bed. Waves of chills and nausea almost overtook me. I could tell my family was worried, but I was too weak to do anything about it. I slipped into a half-doze when my quick-witted, hot-tempered fisherman son-in-law brought in a stranger. I sensed his presence hovering above me; maybe the illness was playing tricks on my brain, but I swear I heard this man yelling at my fever. Maybe he did — it immediately disappeared.

As I sat up and looked into the face of the person who put life’s energy back into me, I knew what to do. I got up and made my house a comfortable place for him to stay on this rest day. He offered me such a wonderful act of service; it was the least I could do to show my gratitude.

Jesus, thank you for modeling a lifestyle of service. Help us to serve one another the same way.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL