Tag: only believe!
Seeing life with faith
Scripture reading for March 13: Luke 8
“While He was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when He came to the house, He allowed no one to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at Him, knowing she was dead. But taking her by the hand, He called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” Luke 8:49-55
Jesus Christ was constantly at work, doing His Father’s will. He saw the world He lived in from God’s perspective and asked the Father for His will. He was constantly calling His disciples to see each person and situation through eyes of faith. In this recorded incident, Jesus was approached by a ruler in the synagogue for help with his only daughter who was dying. Jesus immediately agreed to go to his home. He was interrupted on the way by a woman who reached out to touch His garment, believing that if she could just touch His garment, she would be healed of an embarrassing illness. Jesus took time to call her out and declare that her faith had healed her body! But then the news of the daughter’s death reached the father, Jairus, and Jesus. Jesus called Jairus to give up fear and believe, promising healing.
Upon arrival, there was a crowd of mourners. Jesus told them not to weep because she was only sleeping. They ‘knew’ she was dead, and laughed at Jesus! Jesus saw her awakening, the crowd saw no life. Jesus took only Peter, James, and John and the parents to where the child lay. He simply spoke with authority, “Child, arise.” All were amazed as the child got up! In the world view of faith, all things are possible to those who believe!
Have you ever thought you knew something to be true, only to find out it wasn’t as you believed? In this story, who would you most identify with: Jairus or the crowd of mourners? Why do you think Jesus limited those who would witness this miracle?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience and call to us to have faith in You and Your Word. Forgive me for seeing things only in the natural wisdom and world view. Invite me to join You as You minister to those in impossible situations and increase my faith! Amen.
Only believe!
Scripture reading for February 16th: Mark 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 5:35-36 “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher any more? Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”
Jairus had come in faith to Jesus for healing of a daughter that he knew was dying. Jesus had responded and went with him to minister to his daughter. On the way, another hurting woman reached out and touched Jesus’ garment and He felt divine healing power flow from that exchange. He stopped and after identifying the woman, declared that her faith had healed her. But bad news arrived from Jairus’ home–his daughter was dead! The servant told him not to bother Jesus any more!
As Jairus was contemplating what to do, Jesus spoke a simple word of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Believers must never feel that bringing a need to Jesus is bothering Him in any way! We must hold onto our trust and press on. Simply resting in Christ Jesus brings us peace and fear must leave!
Observations for over-comers: Even in the face of an impossible situation, running to Jesus in faith is the answer to receiving a miracle! In the face of bad reports, we cling to our faith to see it become sight! “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, . . .” (Psalms 31:22-23)
Confronting death with faith!
Scripture reading for March 13th: Luke 8
When you have a child that is sick and near death, desperate measures are called for! Jairus was a ruler in the synagogue who had a daughter that was near death. He made haste to find Jesus and knelt before Him, pleading for assistance! Jesus willingly accompanied him to bring what was needed.
Jesus was at the height of His ministry and many people were crowding around Him as he traveled. “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” (Luke 8:44) Jesus asked who had touched Him because He felt power go out from Him. The woman came and knelt at His feet, telling why she had touched Him. Jesus declared to her that her faith had healed her!
In the meantime, servants came from Jairus’ home telling him not to bother the Master any more, his daughter was dead! Jesus spoke to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50) Faith is a necessary ingredient to receive healing from the Lord. Fear comes to take us away from trusting in Jesus. Many people only trust what they see or hear as truth. With Jesus, we must believe His Word and receive what He promises!
On arrival, many were wailing and mourning the child’s death. Jesus told them to stop for the child was not dead, but sleeping. They laughed at Him. “But He took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up.” (Luke 8:54-55) Jesus confronted death with faith and brought healing in an impossible situation! Don’t be afraid, only believe!