The Gathering

February 3, 2019

SMUMC

Known and Called

Known by the Crowds: Called to Gather

Mark 1:40-45 HCSB

Psalm 84

“The Gathering…”

Prayer…

Please stand, as you are able, for the reading of the Gospel according to Mark. Chapter 1 verses 40-45. Listen to and for a Word from God for you and I…as we gather…

A Man Cleansed

⁴⁰ Then a man with a serious skin disease came to Him and, on his knees, begged Him: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

⁴¹ Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.” ⁴² Immediately the disease left him, and he was healed. ⁴³ Then He sternly warned him and sent him away at once, ⁴⁴ telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵ Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But He was out in deserted places, and they would come to Him from everywhere.

Good Morning! I am so excited today…it is super Bowl Sunday…and the Patriots are in the game, so you know what that means….? PUPPY and KITTEN BOWL!!! It’s game day! I can’t believe the gathering there is not only in the stadium as well as our homes as we gather together as family and friends to watch men running up and down the field trying to get touch downs…

Shanequa last night was asking…so what are we having for Supper Bowl Party food? Party Food…she is definitely a Methodist…where there is a gathering...there is food. I can’t believe the extent people go to show there support… They paint their faces and bodies the color of the team…they buy all the merch to look cool… Everyone knows them and can pick them out in the crowd…they don’t even have to say anything…they are known by sight…

But sometimes being known by the crowds is not such a good thing. You have celebrities that just want to spend time with their families, and they can’t even go out of the house and not be recognized by their adoring…and not so adoring…fans. They just can’t seem to get away from their fame… I guess once known by the crowds your life really isn’t your own anymore.

One of the most notable people who stood out in the crowds was Jesus. He couldn’t go anywhere without a huge gathering of people following Him. I guess that is why it was so important to Him and His disciples to “come away from the crowds” for a time of rest. Going 24/7 takes a lot out of a person…

True Celebrity status is the fact that everyone knows who you are…no ID required. He more than likely went to the deserted places…the countryside…because there was no room for all the people in the towns. People came from all over to hear Him and be healed…and because of His compassion He needed more room to be able to gather them in…

So, all this has gotten me thinking. We…who are called by His Name…how are we known by the crowds? Are we known as religious or as servant? Are we known to gather together or “cast our net wider” for a bigger gathering? Jesus wanted to gather in all those in need, are we going and doing likewise?

We need to make room for all…we are told to go to all nations…are we making room or still trying to shove everyone into the same small area thus leaving those out who are on the outskirts…unable to draw near and be healed? Are we stepping out and doing “what ever is necessary” to open opportunities for all who seeking healing, liberation and restoration as we help usher them into the presence of the Healer…Jesus Christ?

IF there is going to be dancing instead of mourning as the Psalmist writes…Don’t you think we need a bigger dance floor so that others can come and join the dance of joy…the dance of hope…the dance of deliverance. Maybe…just maybe…as we widen the dance floor there will be a heavenly “Hoe Down” as we gather in more partners for the dance of Life. Perhaps as we cast our nets wide, there will be such a catch that we need to have help pulling it to shore.

How are you TRULY known by the crowds? Can we go out into the world and not be hindered or are we being pressed in on every side because of the notoriety of the One who is the Lord of the Dance within us? Something to ponder over… Just sayin…

Amen.