Posted on Sat, June 29, 2019 at 12:17 p.m. (EST) & Sat, June 29, 2019 at 10:47 p.m. (IST),  JUNE 2019 Edition

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“Family Attend, Meeting Immanuel's Love Yieldingly! (F.A.M.I.L.Y)

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
"As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them." (Mark 1:29-31, NIV)

Observations:
I asked myself what were the results of Jesus’ actions?

There were five points I saw:

1. Jesus had just taught at the synagogue previously and healed a man who was demon-possessed (Mark 1:21-28)

2. Jesus went with James and John to the home of Peter and Andrew after they left the synagogue.

3. The disciples found out that Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever and told Jesus about her.

4. Jesus goes to her, takes her by the hand and helps her.

5. The fever left her and she waits upon them.

Observations/Interpretations:

I asked myself why is it significant that it is mentioned 'Jesus went with James and John to the home of Peter and Andrew' where 'Peter's mother-in-law' was sick with a fever?

It is significant because brothers Peter and Andrew are living together even though Peter is married which is evident by 'Peter's mother-in-law' was sick with a fever. This also tells us that Peter's wife was living there too. From the passage alone, we learn that the house was inhabited by Peter, Peter's brother Andrew, Peter's wife, and Peter's mother-in-law. It was an extended family living together. Wow!

Implications:

I saw important implications for my own life here. The emphasis on the importance of family is so great and exciting to know.  Jesus spent time in the home of Peter, Peter's brother Andrew, Peter's wife, Peter's mother-in-law who were all living under the same roof. When I was growing up in India, I was so blessed to be living with my extended family when we visited them for so many days: My mommy's mommy, my mommy's daddy, my mommy's younger brother 1, my mommy's younger brother 2, my mommy's uncle, my mommy's daddy's mommy & daddy. It was such a special time to be growing up with so many loved ones under one roof. By the Lord's grace granted it was a mansion with many rooms. It was a special time. Now, as I am married, it is such a blessing when my precious wife Chandraleela and I go to India for vacation, that my mother-in-law, my brother-in-law, my brother-in-law's wife, my sister-in-law 1 and her kids, my sister-in-law 2, my sister-in-law 3 all come to live with us until we go back to the states. It is such a blessing we don't even like to come back to the states. Our daughters Esther (6+) and Evangeline (4) have such a good time with their cousins, uncles, and aunts, so do I and my wife with her family. In states, it is such a blessing for our kids when my mommy and brother stay with us. It can also be challenging. By the Lord's grace, we are thankful for our privacy though even when other family members are there. Family is very important to my wife and me on both sides. This passage reminds me of what happens in most Indian families. It can be a blessing for the most part unless there is too much interference from other family members. But there is more to it for me. What this passage tells me is contradictory to what sadly happens in western culture. Nursing homes become the #1 priority for a lot of families who don't want their mommy or daddy to stay with them. That is very sad for me. It is actually shocking unless of course only the nursing home is adequate to give the care for a mother or father that their children cannot give.

I ask you now dear friend, what place do you give your family in life?
Dear friend, the place we give our family in life will tell a lot not only about our character but what place we give Jesus in our life. Jesus chided the pharisees for ignoring their own father and mother.

 "But you say, ‘Even if your parents are in need, you may give their support money to the church instead.’ And so, by your man-made rule, you nullify the direct command of God to honor and care for your parents." (Matthew 15:5, TLB)

"But anyone who won’t care for his own relatives when they need help, especially those living in his own family, has no right to say he is a Christian. Such a person is worse than the heathen." (1 Timothy 5:8, TLB)

Raising our own family after marriage never means abandoning our mommy and daddy, our siblings, etc. We have to always be there to care for them. This does not always mean they live with us if they are self-sufficient and can take care of themselves. As followers of Christ, family should always be on our mind. This is what I love about my wife because of the emphasis she puts on family even if it is inconvenient many times for us. I was also very touched by my mommy sharing with me how much her daughter-in-law Grace took care of her when she had pneumonia in Maryland while my brothers were working. I knew when my mommy came back here, how well my precious wife would take care of her. Thank you Jesus. 

You maybe wondering what about the mother, father, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, etc that you cannot get along with at all.

Then what?

This does not change our responsibility to take care of our family. It can be challenging but the Lord Jesus will be there to help us. Each family situation can be different but it is so important to keep Jesus first and ask Him to guide us and lead us what needs to be done instead of leaning on to our own understanding.

You maybe wondering what about the Bible verse that says, "For from the very first he made man and woman to be joined together permanently in marriage; therefore a man is to leave his father and mother, and he and his wife are united so that they are no longer two, but one. And no man may separate what God has joined together.” (Mark 10:7-9, TLB_

This does not say anything about not caring for loved ones. For me the emphasis here is that after marriage, the Lord Jesus should be given first priority, wife second priority, over father and mother too. So, when I have an important news to tell, I let my wife know before calling or sharing with my mom., etc. Our allegiance should be to our spouse after the Lord. However, honoring and cherishing father and mother should never diminish just because we are married. Sadly that happens a lot and it should not be. As much as I miss Pastor Hugo Cheng who served 17+ years in Pittsburgh, I was touched by his decision move to pastor a church in Maryland not only because that is what the Lord wanted him to do but also because he can be close to his family whom he can visit easier compared to living in pgh. That was very touching. Let us not ignore our family but serve them in the ways of the Lord. May you know Lord called you to take care of your family too as you love Him and be a beacon of hope to your relatives too if they cannot take care of themselves.

"Family Attend Meeting Immanuel's Love, Yieldingly!" (F.A.M.I.L.Y)/"What place do you give F.A.M.I.L.Y in life?"

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for teaching us the importance of caring for our own family. Thank you for what I learned from your disciple Peter. Thanks for visiting their home. Help us Oh Lord to love our families dearly and take care of them even as we give you first place, our spouse second place, and so on. Knowing when we love you, we will love our spouse deeper and our family deeper. Thank you Jesus. I pray for those who want to take care of their family but have a difficult time because of baggage from the past. I pray for your healing touch and help. Thanks so much Jesus. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

"May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help!

May the Lord's presence and peace fill you with His love now and forever! Amen!

Friend, if you have prayed this prayer and meant it in your heart, you are a new creation in Christ and all old things are passed away and everything has become new! You may feel something or may not but don’t base it on feelings but base your new life in Christ on the promises of our Savior who will never leave you nor forsake you! Amen!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory@gmail.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

 

 

Mark 1:29-31: "Where do you need H.E.A.L.I.N.G in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 27,19, 11:53 a.m.)

Mark 1:29-31: "How is your F.E.L.L.O.W.S.H.I.P after a church service?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 26,19, 07:54 a.m.)

Mark 1:23-28: "What C.A.P.T.I.V.I.T.Y are you facing today in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 25,19, 08:04 a.m.)

 Mark 1:21-22: "Whose T.E.A.C.H.I.N.G.S do you actively listen to in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 24,19, 08:03 a.m.)

Mark 1:19-20: "How do you rate in the B.U.S.I.N.E.S.S of Jesus?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19,19, 05:06 a.m.)

Mark 1:19-20: "Without P.R.O.C.R.A.S.T.I.N.A.T.I.O.N what are you called to do?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17,19, 08:41 a.m.)

Mark 1:16-18: "How can you use your P.R.O.F.E.S.S.I.O.N to tell others about Jesus?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14,19, 09:11 a.m.)

Mark 1:14-15: "What role does R.E.P.E.N.T play in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 12,19, 11:18 a.m.)

Mark 1:14-15: "Whose T.I.M.I.N.G do you follow in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11,19, 10:51 a.m.)

Mark 1:12-13: "How do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 10,19, 08:52 a.m.)

Mark 1:12-13: "What Determines Your G.R.O.W.T.H in the Lord?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08,19, 10:38 a.m.)

Mark 1:9-11: "Who will you P.R.A.I.S.E publicly in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 07,19, 10:12 a.m.)

Mark 1:9:"What will you take a S.T.A.N.D for in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 04,19, 09:47 a.m.)

Mark 1:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03,19, 09:37 a.m.)

Mark 1:1-3: "Why bother seriously with P.R.O.P.H.E.C.Y everyday in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02,19, 10:44 a.m.)

Mark 1:1:"Why bother with the L.I.F.E of Jesus Christ?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02,19, 10:44 a.m.)

Isaiah 43:16,18-19, Mark 1:40-42: "What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2019?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 01,19, 12:32 p.m.)

 

 

 
   
 

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