If these Walls Could Talk

Make 2014 a year for sharing

““When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him”” – Matthew 8:14-15

I realized this weekend that summer is soon upon us and with it the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends.  The ability to reconnect with all of those that have the opportunity to visit during vacations and weekends.  Those late night conversations that seem less complete over a phone or through e-mail.  Sure, it’s more buy with sports and activities, but it’s also a very wonderful time of year to enjoy each other’s company.  We spent the weekend at a beach here in Texas and I was reminded of another beach I visited several years ago.

A small city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee is recorded as the home for Jesus for more than 20 months of his 3 year ministry.  This is the village of Capernaum, where Peter lived.  It was here that Jesus would visit, and stay for the evening after preaching, teaching and healing people throughout the day.  It was here where Jesus would teach in the synagogue.  It is here that He healed the centurion’s servant based upon the faith of the Roman soldier.  Capernaum is where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, in Peter’s home. 

Peter’s home became the home for Jesus when he was traveling through Capernaum.  Many nights were spent with the disciples gathered in this home, listening to the deep teaching of our Lord and Savior.   Jesus would preach on the streets and in the synagogues a message of love and grace, and then retire to this home to teach the disciples with more depth and purpose.  We see this many times throughout the scriptures where Jesus and His disciples would retire to the house for the evening as He prepared them for their mission in life through parables and life lessons. 

I’ve traveled through Israel on 2 different occasions.  I have walked the streets of Capernaum, and seen the excavation of homes from the biblical times, verified through carbon dating of the artifacts and the black basalt stones used for building.  I’ve stepped foot upon the very floor of the synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus taught, as referenced in passages in all four of the Gospels.  It’s amazing to actually see the excavation of Peter’s home, according to tax rolls and historical records, and the inner walls which would have been the very room Jesus and the disciples retired too for these deep, meaningful teachings.  The old cliché, “If these walls could speak, what a story they would tell.”  Immediately came to mind as I stood observing the history of this place. 

We draw two things from today’s Daily Thoughts:
1) It is important to spend time fellowshipping with one another and building up the strength in the Lord through dedicated time together.  Step away from the busyness of life and gather with others to reflect, teach, learn and listen to the Lord’s message.  It is in these situations where we come to a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior.

2) Open your doors to welcome the weary traveler.  So many times it is convenient to stay at hotels when we travel, but have you considered the loss of reconnecting with friends and family.  Jesus had no home during His ministry.  He laid His head to rest in many different homes throughout His 3 year ministry, each of which were blessed to have had His presence.  Take time this summer to reconnect with your friends and family by inviting them to stay at your home.  Don’t waste the opportunity, for you never know when you may get another chance.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
We thank You for Your grace and Your mercy on our lives.  We ask for You to bless us with knowledge and understanding of Your word and it’s purpose in our life.  We ask for those opportunities to engage with others in fellowship and reunion over this busy summer season, that we might be able to learn and grow stronger in our faith as a result.  Bless us with peace, calmness and clearness of mind as we seek rest and relaxation this summer.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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