One of my favorite things is meeting with my Wednesday morning Bible study group. We've been looking at Mark, and at the tail end of chapter 6, there's this section that seems nondescript after the miracles of feeding 5,000 and walking on water.
When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
Just a vague account of some nonspecific healing miracles Jesus did, right? But here's what I learned from that little section.
The people recognized Jesus.
Do I recognize Him? Do I hear Him in the encouragement of my friends or the prayers of my children? Do I see Him in my routine as well as in those unexpected 'appointments'?
The people ran to Him.
Do I run to Him? Do I carry others to Him?
The people were eager to receive from Him. They reached for Him.
Do I even bother to ask?
Sometimes there are powerful lessons in the most unexpected places.