Today, our devotional is based on the time that Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl from the dead. It is found in Mark 5.
We will look at three lessons for our hearts.
1. You have to know where you can turn for help
2. Others around you may give up.
3. With God the seemingly impossible is still possible.
Part 1: You have to know where to turn for help. Mark 5:21-24
[21] When Jesus had again crossed by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him beside the sea. [22] A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet [23] and pleaded with Him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.”
[24] So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him.
This man, Jairus, was a spiritual and well-known Jew among Jews. He led their synagogue, their local church, we would say. As a Jew, why would he go to the itinerant preacher for help? Because he believed that is where help is found. When we are desperate for help, we go where we believe the help is.
Part 2. Others around you may give up. Mark 5:35
While He was still speaking, messengers from the house of Jairus arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; why bother the Teacher anymore?”
They gave up because you have to know when it is over. Sometimes, however, we give up too soon. When God is involved, don’t lose hope.
Part 3. With God the seemingly impossible is still possible. Mark 5:36-52
[36] But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”
[38] When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. [39] He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.” [40] And they laughed at Him.
Yes, God can do such amazing deeds that you would laugh if someone told you about it. Never doubt God, and especially don’t laugh at his promises.
The reading continues.
After He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child. [41] Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old, and at once they were utterly astounded.
So what is the great conclusion for our own hearts? Simply this, do not doubt the power of God to answer prayer and work in our lives. Like the synagogue ruler, simply take your trouble to God and leave him to work as he sees best.
Lonnie Davis