Word@Work 058 - Mark 5:21-24a
Published: Fri, 02/08/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 5:21-24a When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered round him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." So Jesus went with him. (NIV)
Another 'pleading' today. This time, a sincere cry for help. The little girl was seriously ill, and her father (despite being a religious leader) knew that only Jesus could help. It is a mark of godly wisdom to run straight to Jesus, irrespective of whatever religion you have known. Power to change the inevitable is only in the hand of God: in dynamic relationship, not in a pious formula.
Jesus affirmed that His compassion by moving through the crowd, following the anxious cleric. However much he was worried, he had real faith that Jesus could heal. Whatever his religious scruples, Jairus had enough evidence to believe in Jesus, and to risk his reputation in this very public appeal for life-saving assistance. "If it matters that much", somebody once said, "you have nothing to lose by being public about it". By contrast, secrecy betrays shame and fear.
Why are we so reluctant, today, to encourage a direct approach to Jesus Christ? He is the only one with power to heal the outside and clean the inside. It is not magical incantations we need, but a masterful saviour. Ask people if you can pray for them in their difficulty: it is a simple step but gets right to the heart of leading people to understand that God cares, hears and has the power to act. And every real Christian can do it! So, why not you? Today?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. I know enough of Your loving care to continue to commit myself to you. Give me the desire to be more public about what I know you can do for others - not just to fix their problems but to save their souls. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Another 'pleading' today. This time, a sincere cry for help. The little girl was seriously ill, and her father (despite being a religious leader) knew that only Jesus could help. It is a mark of godly wisdom to run straight to Jesus, irrespective of whatever religion you have known. Power to change the inevitable is only in the hand of God: in dynamic relationship, not in a pious formula.
Jesus affirmed that His compassion by moving through the crowd, following the anxious cleric. However much he was worried, he had real faith that Jesus could heal. Whatever his religious scruples, Jairus had enough evidence to believe in Jesus, and to risk his reputation in this very public appeal for life-saving assistance. "If it matters that much", somebody once said, "you have nothing to lose by being public about it". By contrast, secrecy betrays shame and fear.
Why are we so reluctant, today, to encourage a direct approach to Jesus Christ? He is the only one with power to heal the outside and clean the inside. It is not magical incantations we need, but a masterful saviour. Ask people if you can pray for them in their difficulty: it is a simple step but gets right to the heart of leading people to understand that God cares, hears and has the power to act. And every real Christian can do it! So, why not you? Today?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. I know enough of Your loving care to continue to commit myself to you. Give me the desire to be more public about what I know you can do for others - not just to fix their problems but to save their souls. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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