Forest Lake Talks

17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.  18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.  19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Jesus stands on a level place with a multitude from a vast region surrounding him. He teaches and heals, brings relief to those troubled with unclean spirits. Healing entails word and deed, proximity and a willingness to be surrounded by those in deep need. Today, think about those troubled and in need. How might you be called to bring a word or deed that would bring them relief?

Lord, when we hear the news and suffering of the multitudes around your world, we feel overwhelmed. The needs are so great, the problems seemingly so intractable. We want to turn away rather than stand with those who suffer. Grant us the courage to remain with those who are troubled and give us a word to say and the wisdom to know what we are to do to bring relief. Amen.