June 17
Mark 5:35-43
You can’t get much sicker than dead! The little girl in this passage was past the point of help from any parent, doctor, or surgeon. Jesus alone was able to restore her. All the girl’s dad had to do was believe in Jesus. “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (vs. 36b NIV) This had to be a pretty hopeless situation for the parents. Have you ever been hopeless? Have you ever been faced with a situation that seemed totally impossible? Nothing is impossible with Jesus. “I can do EVERYTHING through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT) We may not see many people wake up from being dead these days. But we have been given victory over death! “’Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54 NIV) “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6 NLT) Life can be hard sometimes, but we can have hope in every seemingly impossible situation, because we know the end for us is not death. It is life!
Principle: Believing Jesus’ words without fear will bring new life into any apparently hopeless situation.
Application:
1. With what seemingly hopeless situation is Jesus ready to help me today if I will believe Him?
2. How can I turn from the unbelieving “wails” around me and look in faith to Jesus’ power?
3. What “little,” practical things can I do today that can bring strength to others?
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Jesus made the unbelievers leave the room. I wonder if this is like in Nazareth, where he could do few miracles because the was "little faith." The room had to be cleared of doubt before His power could be released. So I wonder...what in my life hinders what God wants to do? And what doubters in my church keep the power from flowing down?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been there to see that exchange. Jairus has just received the most devastating news a parent can receive, his child is dead. That punch in the gut, that trap door has been released and I am falling feeling, that shock that stuns the body. Then Jesus looks right in his eyes and says "Don't be afraid; just believe." That look! Compassion. But also... Authority. Power. Energy. Like no look Jairus had ever seen before. That brief eye-to-eye contact sends Jairus' emotions in the opposite direction. Could it be? Hope! Yes!! Thank you Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks Sarah, John, and Bob. A fresh perspective on an old story. I've been thinking about faith and what my faith really looks like to God, and John, I'm asking the same question as you. Bob, I love the picture you helped create in my mind. What it will be like to look in His face!!! If only I realized that I am seeing it right now. He's here. He still cares, and He is still the authority.
ReplyDeleteI was also struck by the words Jesus spoke to the girl. "Little Girl." I can hear the compassion mix with the authority of Christ in His choice of words. I think about my dad when he sees a child crying. "Oh, little girl," he might say, "It is okay." If my earthly dad would do that, well, wow at what my Heavenly Father would do! (And did!)
"Don't be afraid, Just believe" very simple words, harder to follow. Jesus gives us a simple command. Don't be afraid of the things that will come your way, just hold your head high and believe I am in control. When we totally surrender our lives to Him and just believe, He does take care of everything.
ReplyDeleteOh how I long to not be afraid, but just believe.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Linda Campbell: AMEN!!
ReplyDelete