Running to Jesus

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: Luke 4:38-41 ESV

 38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house.
Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever,  
and they appealed to him on her behalf.  
39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever,  
 and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
40 Now when the sun was setting,  
all those who had any who were sick with various diseases  
brought them to him, and he laid his hands  
on every one of them and healed them.  
41 And demons also came out of many, crying,  
“You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them  
and would not allow them to speak,  
because they knew that he was the Christ.
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Simon appealed to Jesus on behalf of his mother-in-law.
Many were coming to Jesus,
all who were sick and with disease were brought to Him.
What do you need to bring to Jesus today?
What illness, what ailment, what loss?
Jesus wants you to run to Him.
No matter how many times you have come.
No matter how weak you feel.
You may even think that you should be strong enough
or faithful enough to go it alone,
but Jesus wants you to come to Him.
Come tired, weary, heavy laden, and poor.
Come to Jesus.
Run to Jesus!
Lay your burdens at His feet.

As thy hymn says:
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.”
So often we feel that we should not bother Him
and yet that is exactly what He wants us to do.
We are to be weak and He is to be strong.

Remember these familiar words:

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,  
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me,  
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

TAKING GOD’S WORD TO HEART

We try to bear it on our own.
We try to buck up and endure.
We try to push it aside.
But we are to come to you, Lord, and make our appeal to you.
Not only on our own behalf, but on the behalf of others.
Help us, Lord Jesus.
Help us.

Will you run first to Jesus?
Will you say the following words wholeheartedly,
by faith, believing that He will meet you right where you are?

“Help me, Lord Jesus.
Help me.”

MEDITATE or MEMORIZE

Write out the following verse from Luke 4 and recite it 3 times.
Take it with you throughout the day.

41 And demons also came out of many, crying,  
“You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them  
and would not allow them to speak,  
because they knew that he was the Christ.

PRAYER

Lord God, bring us to the point where we can fully understand
who you are and who you are in us.
Help us to rest in you.
Let us pour our hearts out to you
and receive the comfort and healing we need.

In His hands for His glory,
Laurie
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