Stress Test Devotional May 25
May 25, 2024
MARK 1:42-44 | 42 Immediately the skin disease left him, and he was made clean. 43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded as a testimony to them.”
Jesus was an advocate. This English word has two Latin roots. “Vocare” means to speak and “ad” is a directional word meaning towards or for. An advocate speaks up for someone, fights on behalf of another. We act as advocates within health systems when we stand with one another to ensure their interests are protected and their knowing participation in their own care is respected.
Jesus exercised this kind of advocacy on behalf of many individuals whom current societies saw as cursed or simply unworthy of care or compassion. He helped the demon plagued, who then and now evoked fear and suspicion. He cured the blind, lame, deaf, mute, and paralyzed. He befriended and cleansed the leprous, and the hemorrhaging. Not only His help but His warmth and loving attention spoke volumes—each one was valuable and important to God.
When have you functioned as an advocate?
