Like an ever flowing stream that brings life and refreshing, so is the Reign of God when it breaks in upon us.  This is what was experienced one epic night in the town of Capernaum at the home of Simon Peter.

In a previous post I discussed what happened in the synagogue at Capernaum.  While Jesus was teaching a demon cried out in the midst of the people.  The King dealt with it swiftly and efficiently.  Everyone was amazed.  We pick up the story from there.

The Scene at Pete’s House

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.  Mark 1:29 – 34 NLT

Having seen what Jesus did in the synagogue, they probably wondered what He could do for the mother-in-law once it was discovered that she had a fever.  I often chuckle as I wonder who finally got up the nerve to ask Jesus about it.  Regardless, I ‘m sure that was much joy in that home when Mama was relieved of her fever and began to make supper.

As they ate together, the sun began to set on Capernaum.  The Sabbath was coming to a close.  They suddenly began to hear a commotion outside the house.  Peter probably got up, wiped his hands on his tunic, and went to see what was going on.  He likely had a somewhat puzzled look on his face as he turned away from the door and said, “Uh, Master?  I think You need to see this!”  They all went to the door and found the whole town standing outside.  With them was every form of sick, debilitated, and demonized person they could find.  And that’s when the show began!

In my own imagination, I have often sat on a hillside looking down on the scene outside Pete’s house that night.  I can see that torches held high to provide light in the darkness.  I can hear the cries of the demonized as they are delivered from their oppression.  I can hear the gasp from the crowd, followed by applause, as the paralyzed stand and begin to walk.  It was a night truly unlike any other.

What Happened?

That night Heaven and Earth intersected in the city of Capernaum.  Times of refreshing had come from the Presence of the Lord.  For those few hours, the people stood in the presence of the future when God will permanently dwell with His people and there will be no more death, or mourning, or pain (Revelation 21:3 – 4).  The people of Capernaum saw the Kingdom come.  They caught a glimpse of what it will be like when we are forever living in the Reign.

M