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Monday of Week 4 – Hebrews 11:32-40; Mark 5:1-20

Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. – Mark 5:19.

I often wonder why the first half of the first verse in the Letter to the Hebrews was omitted in the old lectionary but is included in the new ESV version. It begins with: “What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of…” This is followed by a powerful list of names and stories of individuals who endured hardships with faith in God. The message is impactful, and it’s even more so when we see the original words.

Jesus instructs the man He healed of possession: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” There is indeed so much to share. The story of salvation is filled with examples of God working among us – ordinary people like Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and even more modern names like Anne, Michael, and Julie. They could live anywhere, from the scenic region of Argyll to the shores of the Gerasenes.

God is present everywhere – rescuing, comforting, and uplifting people from tombs to city centres, and then sending them out to share their experiences with others.

The truth of God’s saving grace isn’t only found in revered texts or dusty biographies; it resonates through the lives of everyday Christians. We witness it in survived catastrophes, in sins forgiven, and in the unwavering mercy of God that accompanies us every day.

Jesus, I invite You into my life. Please, stay with me and transform my journey.