The apostle Peter was married, for pure marriage is not a sin to Christ’s ministers. Since the followers of Christ are opposed to many temptations, and their houses partake of such temptations and attacks; therefore, we are in need of Christ’s daily protection and presence with us.
Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. She was lying prostrate and burning up with fever. However, the Savior was near, and they experienced his power, trusting his care. When Jesus entered into Peter’s house, he took his mother-in-law by the hand, and cast out the disease with his power, for Christ is the successful Physician and true Savior.
The result of his healing immediately appeared, for the healed woman got up at once and began to wait on her guests with lowliness and gentleness. As such all the redeemed of Christ are consecrated to his service. Service is emblem of believers, for the Son of God himself did not come to be served, but to serve, and he gave his life a ransom for many.
There are many troubles in the world. Do we feel with the weak, sympathize with the hungry, think of the hopeless, and serve the sick and the crippled? Are our hearts stony, or are they merciful? Christ is love. He even bore our diseases and their cause: sin. Men felt his lovingkindness and tender mercies, and they raced to him. There is no name in human history more significant than the name of Jesus, for he is the Lord himself, the Healer, Savior, and Physician of all those who come to him.
From the love of Christ, great powers flowed to those who believed in him. Yet, in his healings, there was always the struggle between God and Satan. The authorities of demons knew him and feared him, but they obeyed him and were cast out by his order. How wonderful is the power of the Son of God in his word! He prevented the evil spirits from proclaiming his holiness and power, for he did not want to win men through the testimony of hell.
Jesus did not stay lazily in bed in the morning, though he was tired of the burdens of the past day, but he got up early and went to the wilderness to be alone with his Father. Now observe that the Son of God prayed, and spoke to his Father about all those whom he had served. Because of these prayers, the regenerating power of heaven dwelt in his weak body, and the fountain of excellent grace continued for all. Are you a servant of the Lord? Are you standing in the spiritual war against evil spirits? Your fighting will be unprofitable if you do not pray continuously and faithfully. Get up from your bed and do not be lazy. Pray as the Son of God did. A prayer in the spirit is better than sleeping. Then you will receive God’s calling and guidance, in addition to many blessings, and you will recognize what the Lord wants to do through you today. He will send you to preach humbly and testify effectively in your town and surroundings, because you saw in the gospel the power of God himself. So, testify before those who wish to hear, and let your words portray vividly the life of Christ and what he did to you. Demons will go out of the enslaved, for the Spirit of God fights and casts out the spirit of the devil through your testimony.