How Have You Been Called?

This morning I was reading Mark's account of Jesus' ministry, the Lord and His twelve disciples moving about the countryside with Jesus speaking and performing miracles. Mark tells how Jesus cast demons from a man and into a herd of pigs. Please don't focus on the pigs -- a man in great bondage was set free! Pigs are cute and and great as bacon, but people are worth more than pigs. Anyway, the folks in that area wanted nothing to do with that kind of authority; they asked Jesus to leave. As He was preparing to leave, the man who'd been cleansed of demons approached; he wanted to join Jesus and His disciples, but Jesus would not permit it. "Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has compassion on you."

Jesus instructed the man who'd been released from demons to preach. A man whom no one could restrain or tame, violent and out of his mind with a demonic hostility so alienating it kept him dwelling -- but not really living -- among the dead, was now to return to those with whom he'd probably not had a relationship for years, and tell them of God's power and love. Jesus then sailed away.

On the other shore, Jairus a leader in the synagogue, came to Jesus pleading for his daughter; she was on death's doorstep, and Jairus believed the healing touch of Jesus would bring life to her. Jesus agreed to go with this anguished father to his home. On the way, a lady who'd been sick for twelve years touched Jesus' clothing. Her faith drew such power and healing from Him, Jesus felt it drain from His body. "Who touched Me?' Jesus asked; the lady stepped forward and explained her boldness to Him -- a faith so strong it had healed her immediately. "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

To the woman who'd undoubtedly been outcast as well, Jesus said, "Be;" live a life that testifies to healing and peace. Know, embrace, exude healing from every pore -- that the world may know Who has done this for you, an outcast no more.

I'm sure Jairus counted the seconds as they ticked away; his daughter was dying, and time was of the essence. But before they turned to go, a messenger arrived: Jairus' young daughter was dead. What should have been the end of the story became an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate not only His ability to restore life to the dead, but His desire to do so! Jesus accompanied Jairus to his house, and raised his daughter to life away from the eyes of the multitude who had followed them. The small group gathered in the home were "overcome with great amazement", and Jesus charged them that they should tell no one, but should give the little girl something to eat.

To the esteemed ruler in a synagogue, a leader among men, Jesus commanded service; to remain quiet about the miraculous events he'd witnessed and be the husband and father he needed to be; to minister to those closest and dearest him.

What is God calling you to this day? Shouting His goodness from the rooftops? Be-ing -- enjoying the life and health He has given you in such a way others are blessed or intrigued by your life? Or, quietly, humbly serving those within your own home? Seek Him, worship at His feet, and obey the calling He has for you.