Mark begins his Gospel by making reference to the ministry of John the Baptist and quoting Isaiah he wrote, "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'" He goes on to describe John as a man who was clothed with camel's hair and that he wore a leather belt around his waist. We are told that his diet consisted of locusts and wild honey as he ministered in the wilderness, baptizing those who came to him in the spirit of repentance. Matthew and Luke both record Jesus as saying that "among those born of women" that no one was greater than John. John graciously and joyously proclaimed that Jesus was mightier than he. John could only baptize with water but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
In the latter verses of this first chapter we read of a series of events that occurred at the house of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. Much would happen at this house in less than 24 hours. Simon's mother in-law had been lying sick with a fever and Jesus healed her. Evening came, the sun set and "all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed" were being brought to Jesus for healing. Mark writes that "the whole city had gathered at the door". What a blessing it had been for Jesus to come to this house. I have not had the experience that Simon and Andrew had at their house that day. But in a sense I have something in common with them and with so many others. Jesus has blessed my house! He has done so since that first day He came into my life. I'm so thankful that He came into "my house".
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