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Stirring
Have you ever misplaced or lost something, and it stirs little worry? You just know that Read More
Demétrio Soares | Read Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
The miracles that we expect from God in our lives do not always come according to our timing, nor do they always look like we want them to. How often do we desire God’s quick action rather than trust God’s timing? Surely Jairus has this same feeling; after all, his daughter is dying. He needs a miracle now—before it is too late.
Jairus is an important man. Perhaps in his mind or even in the minds of others, his situation would take precedence over others in need. But as Jairus and Jesus travel to his house, a woman in the crowd makes a risky decision and acts on it. Jesus stops to converse with the unclean woman. He heals her; he does not go immediately to Jairus’s house.
As Jesus’ encounter with the woman comes to a close, people arrive from Jairus’s house to relay the bad news: His daughter is dead. There is no point in taking Jesus any farther. The funeral is already being planned; the mourners are in place.
Jesus now faces another situation that seems to be beyond help. The miracle Jairus needed was waylaid; Jesus’ help comes too late. But the case is not closed. Jesus can still heal, even in this situation. When he arrives at the house, Jesus contradicts the logic of the people, takes the daughter by the hand and orders her to stand up, “‘Talitha cum,’ which means, “Little girl, get up!’” She arises and a miracle comes to her family. Even though the miracle does not follow Jairus’s timetable, the result is perfect. God does not always act according to our plans or timing. But our faith opens the door for healing action.
Lord, teach me to wait on you, to trust that at the right time and in the right way, your miracles happen. Amen.
David is remembered in scripture as a mighty king but also as a great poet. Many of the Psalms are ascribed to him. In Second Samuel we find a poem, a song of lamentation over Saul and Jonathan. Saul was violently jealous of David, yet David still honored Saul as God’s anointed king. Jonathan was David’s best friend, and David bemoans Israel’s loss of these two leaders. The author of Psalm 130, although probably not David, appeals to God in David-like fashion. The Gospel reading takes us in a different direction, showing the power of a woman’s faith. In Second Corinthians, Paul deals with practical matters. The Corinthians had promised to send financial help to the believers in Jerusalem. Now that pledge needs to become a reality.
• Read 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27. When have you acknowledged, upon his or her death, the value of a person you deemed an enemy?
• Read Psalm 130. When have you cried out to God from the depths of your despair? What was God’s response?
• Read 2 Corinthians 8:7-15. When have you lost enthusiasm for a project that had originally ignited your interest and best efforts? How did you rekindle that interest?
• Read Mark 5:21-43. What has been your experience with God’s plans and timetable?
Respond by posting a prayer.
I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”
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