September 2

Morning

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her. — Mark 1:30 BSB

This brief glimpse into the home of the apostle Peter is quite insightful. It shows that family life and ministry can work hand in hand. In fact, household experiences can deepen one’s understanding of God's grace and better equip a person to serve others. While some groups may criticize marriage, true Christianity finds harmony with family life.

Peter’s home was likely just a simple fisherman’s hut, yet the Lord of Glory entered it, stayed there, and even performed a miracle in it. If this devotional is being read in a modest home this morning, let that be an encouragement to seek the presence of Jesus. God is more often found in humble homes than in grand palaces. Jesus is looking around your room right now, ready to show you grace.

In Peter’s house, sickness had taken hold—his mother-in-law was suffering from a fever. As soon as Jesus arrived, they told Him about the illness, and He quickly went to her bedside. Do you have any sickness or trouble in your home today? Jesus is the best physician you could turn to, so go to Him immediately and tell Him about your problem. Bring the situation before Him right away. Since it concerns someone He loves, it won’t be insignificant to Him.

Notice how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law right away; no one can heal like He does. While we may not always see immediate healing, we can trust that prayer for the sick is more likely to bring about restoration than anything else. And when healing doesn’t come, we must humbly accept His will, knowing He holds the power over life and death. Jesus is always ready to listen to our pain, so let’s bring it to Him.

Evening

Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” — John 4:48 BSB

In Jesus’ day, many people had an unhealthy obsession with miracles, craving signs and wonders instead of the gospel they really needed. Jesus didn’t always give them the miraculous signs they demanded. Even today, some people won’t believe unless they see something extraordinary. They might say, “I need to feel a deep sense of guilt before I can believe in Jesus.” But what if that feeling never comes? Will you really reject God just because He doesn’t act in the way you expect?

Some people think, “If I had a dream, or if I felt some dramatic emotional experience, then I would believe.” But who are we to dictate how God should act? We come to Him as beggars, asking for mercy, yet we want to make the rules for how that mercy should be given? My Master is generous, but He’s also sovereign—He doesn’t submit to our demands.

So why, dear reader, do you crave signs and wonders? Isn’t the gospel itself the greatest miracle? That “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” is a miracle beyond all others! That anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life—that’s a wonder greater than any sign. Jesus’ invitation to “come and take the water of life freely” is a promise more solid than any miracle. Trust in the Savior’s word, for He is truth itself. Why ask for more proof from the One who cannot lie? Even the demons recognized Him as the Son of God—will you doubt Him?