Apicontent

“Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.”
As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.”
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” —Mark 10:17-23

This young man referred to Jesus as “Teacher.” He truly had good intentions. This young man considered Jesus to be a recognized authority. But I think, like many of us, he was looking for a formula to fill, or a task to be done, or a command to be followed! No more worries! We sealed the deal, so to speak. We can accomplish that one task or responsibility on our “list” and then proceed on with living our lives however we please.

Wanting to justify himself by his works this rich young man asks Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus understands what the man is truly seeking. He  first lists the commands He knew the young man was already following. And then Jesus, looking at this young man with much love, says, “One thing you lack.” It reminds me of the verse in Daniel 5:

“As for teqel – you are weighed on the balances and found to be lacking.” —Daniel 5:27

The Old Testament tells us that all our righteous acts won’t help us:

“We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” —Isaiah 64:6

In the New Testament, Paul tells us:

“Just as it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” —Romans 3:10

Take It to Heart

I believe Jesus wanted this young man to understand that faith is a heart issue and not a works issue. Our works simply evidence our faith. Christ is desirous of our relationship with Him, not what we do for Him. He tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing, meaning nothing eternal is accomplished apart from Christ. Jesus wants us to follow Him wholeheartedly and unreservedly. He wants to be Lord over our lives.

Then they came to Capernaum. After Jesus was inside the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. After he sat down, he called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” —Mark 9:33-35

Can’t you just hear the disciples? “I’m the greatest” … “Oh no! You’re quite mistaken; I’m the greatest” … “You guys are both crazy! Didn’t you hear me say that He was the Christ? I’m confident I am the greatest!” … and on and on it went through the voices of twelve disciples who desired human recognition, elevation, and admiration. How very easy it is to fall into the trap of longing for praise from men rather than God! Pride is an insidious monster–it grabs us by the neck before we know it! Jesus tells us in John:

“How can you believe, if you accept praise from one another and don’t seek the praise that comes from the only God?” —John 5:44

Don’t get me wrong, we all can use an “Atta boy” or an “Atta girl” from time to time to strengthen and encourage. That’s not the kind of praise Jesus is referring to here. It is the elevation of self for affirmation and recognition that is to be despised. Anytime we try to elevate ourselves overtly or covertly, God is displeased. It is not about us. It is all about Christ and His name being glorified and magnified above all. As John the Baptist said:

“He must become more important while I become less important.” —John 3:30

We are told by the prophet Micah:

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

Jesus turned the world upside down with His teaching. To be the greatest we must be the servant of all. Jesus said:

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:28

Take It to Heart

In God’s economy, down is up! To be great, one must serve. There is joy and contentment in service done willingly, without thought of receiving human credit. God sees everything we do and His recompense is great.

“A member of the crowd said to him, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able to do so.”
He answered them, “You unbelieving generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I endure you? Bring him to me.”
So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
And he said, “From childhood. It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.”
Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” —Mark 9:17-25

This story takes place right after the transfiguration. Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain and His divine glory had been revealed to them. Jesus, Peter, James, and John were returning from that experience and came upon this crowd. The other disciples and the teachers of the law were arguing presumably over the disciples’ lack of ability to heal this demon possessed child. Jesus had already given the disciples authority to drive out demons. We are told earlier in Mark:

“Now Jesus went up the mountain and called for those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve (whom he named apostles), so that they would be with him and he could send them to preach and to have authority to cast out demons.” —Mark 3:13-15

With compassion, Jesus tells them to bring the boy to Him. He asks the father how long the child has been like this. The father responds since childhood. Can you imagine the desperation this father must have felt? He says to Jesus, “But if you can do anything …”

Jesus responds “If you can?” Jesus follows that up with “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Jesus has the power to deliver this child!

Contrast this scenario with the man with leprosy in Matthew who came to Jesus knowing He could heal him.

“After he came down from the mountain, large crowds followed him. And a leper approached and bowed low before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him saying, “I am willing. Be clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” —Matthew 8:1-3

The word “willing” stands out in the above passage. Sometimes God does not change the circumstance, heal the physical body, or provide a “yes” to our request. When this is the case, there is always a greater good to be accomplished through what He is allowing–both for us and for others. Two passages provide encouragement during those times when God does say “no.”

“Even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me – so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” —2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“Going a little farther, he threw himself down with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will.” —Matthew 26:39

Our loving and compassionate Father is a good and perfect giver and delights to bestow “good gifts” to His children. Always believe that even if the answer is “No,” there is so much more at stake that we do not see.

Take It to Heart

God is always faithful, loving, compassionate and kind to His children–even when we do not recognize it as such. His very heart is love. If the answer to changing my circumstance is “No,” there is a greater good that I cannot readily see both for me and for others.

“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and because of the gospel will save it.’” —Mark 8:34-35

This teaching of Jesus comes on the heels of Peter’s rebuke to Him over Jesus’ prediction of His death and in turn, Jesus’ rebuke to Peter due to his thoughts and affections pointing toward that of man’s rather than God’s. How easy for us to think like Peter! But Jesus calls us into a different way of thinking. He begins here by sharing with the crowd and His disciples this very important truth: If you want to follow me, you must deny self. What? Deny myself? Surely I heard wrong! No, Jesus is clear, if I desire to be His follower along this road called life, I must deny myself. His will over mine. He is to be Master and Lord over my life. All are invited to come after Him and follow in His way, but the cost is self denial.

Jesus also calls us to bear a cross. What crosses has He allowed you to carry? One thing I am sure we can all agree on is that pain is everywhere. No one escapes its vast reach. But Jesus says to take it up. Why? There are many possible reasons for this command, but I believe one of the reasons is that He desires for us to go through these trials (crosses) with joy so that through His power we can be a witness to a hurting world. It is simply supernatural to embrace with joy what He allows, knowing it is for our good and His glory. There is a vast difference between suffering through a cross and enduring it with joy, confident of the outcome. It is said of Jesus in Hebrews 12:

“Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. ” —Hebrews 12:2-3

Jesus turned the world upside down with His teaching: “Turn the other cheek;” “Go the extra mile;” “Love your enemies;” “Pray for those who persecute you.” All these seem easy when compared with “If you want to save your life, you must lose it.” It sounds like a dreadful experience, but in reality it is the very essence of abundant life. You will never be able to out give God.

Take It to Heart

The call is for all who will follow. Jesus desires more than lip service, emotional fervor, or even our deeds–He wants us. He wants to empower us to embrace with joy what He allows–confident of His love for us and certain that He will work all things out for our good.

Further Reflections

“But as for you, son of man, your people (who are talking about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses) say to one another, ‘Come hear the word that comes from the LORD.’ They come to you in crowds, and they sit in front of you as my people. They hear your words, but do not obey them. For they talk lustfully, and their heart is set on their own advantage. Realize that to them you are like a sensual song, a beautiful voice and skilled musician. They hear your words, but they do not obey them.” —Ezekiel 33:30-32

Then Jesus and his disciples went to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said, “John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” —Mark 8:27-29

The most important question we will ever have to answer is “Who do we say Jesus is?” Our life in the here and now and our eternal status hinge on the answer to that very question. Just as in Jesus’ time, some in our day respond to this question by saying he was a good man, or perhaps a prophet, but certainly not God. Countless others give it no thought at all. Some say he is the Christ, yet do not make Him their Lord. They give Jesus lip service, yet their hearts are far from Him. Considering all that Jesus said of Himself in Scripture, He is either who He said He was–fully God and fully man–or the truth was not in Him. A liar or the Lord–these are our choices. He left no room for anything in-between. God is not looking for us to just feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He is looking for true disciples who will show his love to a hurting world that so desperately needs Him.

The gospel of Matthew tells us:

But Jesus was silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” —Matthew 26:63-64

Mark adds:

But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” —Mark 14:61-62

Luke tells us:

So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” He answered them, “You say that I am.” —Luke 22:70

Because Jesus is the Son of God, He has a rightful claim to our lives. In Luke, he said:

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do what I tell you? “Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice – I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep, and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the person who hears and does not put my words into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against that house, it collapsed immediately, and was utterly destroyed!” —Luke 6:46-49

Take It to Heart

“Who do you say I am?”

“Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught.
He said to them, “Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while” (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat). So they went away by themselves in a boat to some remote place.
But many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they hurried on foot from all the towns and arrived there ahead of them.
As Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.”
—Mark 6:30-34

True refreshment can only be found in Christ. He is the God who offers peace and repose from our fretful, anxious, overworked, overburdened, and over-worried lives. It is no wonder then that our Lord calls out to us with a gracious invitation to rest in Him. He is fully aware of what we so desperately need:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” —Matthew 11:28-30

Christ is ever aware of our fears and toils, and offers us relief and rest when we are tired. He is our refuge!

“Abandon the worries … and Abide in the Word. Abandon the fears … and Abide in the Father. Abandon the hurts … and Abide in His heart. Abandon the cares … because Christ will never abandon you. It’s what I self-preach again and again to the fearful sinner who is me: Abandon and Abide.” —Ann Voskamp

“Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD will live safely by him; he protects him all the time, and the LORD places him on his chest.” —Deuteronomy 33:12

In our verses for today the Apostles had just returned from ministering–and they were tired! Couple that with hearing the recent news of the death of John the Baptist and they were desperate for restoration. Jesus compassionately invites them away for a brief, well-earned rest. Thankfully, the Lord not only allows us time for rest, but reminds us of our need for rest as well. We need to remember that those who work diligently and faithfully also need time to rest.

We are told by King Solomon there is a proper time and duration for everything:

“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1

Jesus invites His disciples to a quiet and solitary place to catch their breath and get some rest so that they may be refueled to carry on His business. He takes them away by boat. When they arrive at their destination, the crowds are already there–having run ahead of them on foot. Jesus’ heart went out to the people. He looked upon them as sheep without a shepherd. Their pursuit and diligence in seeking the Master was duly noted–Jesus never turns those away who willingly seek Him. And so He begins to teach them many things.

Jesus is so kind and compassionate–He is the Good Shepherd who lovingly tends His Own. He provided a respite for His disciples while at the same time meeting the needs of the people who came searching for Him. There is no want with the Shepherd.

Take It to Heart

“When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make myself available to you,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will reverse your plight and will regather you from all the nations and all the places where I have exiled you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.’” —Jeremiah 29:13-14

“For John had repeatedly told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.
But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” He swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the baptizer.”
Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” Although it grieved the king deeply, he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests.
So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.”  —Mark 6:19-28

Finally, Herodias can be rid of John! She sees an opportunity and sets into motion a murderous scheme. The occasion for the diabolical deed is Herod’s birthday. A luxurious celebration, attended by all the high officials and prominent citizens, is held in his honor. The finest of wines and fare are set forth for all to imbibe and feast upon. As the party participants quickly escalate to fevered high spirits, Herodias deliberately ushers into the room her daughter to “grace” the party with her dancing–alluring them as she wins their favor. She charms everyone, and Herod, himself in high spirits, recklessly and extravagantly promises her on oath anything she desires up to half his kingdom. Oaths–unfortunately for Herod–were binding. What kind of glassy eyed promise was that? Up to half his kingdom for a shimmy! Seriously, what was he thinking? Obviously, he wasn’t!

Herodias was quick on the scene to advise her clueless daughter what to ask for–the head of John the Baptist on a platter–probably replete with parsley! Satan surely was patting himself on the back. Herodias’ hateful vendetta was reaching its fulfillment. Finally, she was getting her dream come true. No more would she be reminded of her indiscretions. She foolishly believed ridding herself of John the Baptist would cleanse her. But as we all know, killing the messenger doesn’t change the truth of the message.

This request had to have quickly sobered Herod who, Scripture tells us, was distressed over her entreat. Loose lips sink ships and words hastily and flippantly promised are often regretted. Being careful and wise about our words keeps us from much trouble indeed. We would do well to take heed of what Scripture tells us:

“When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise. What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value.” —Proverbs 10:19

“The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles.” —Proverbs 21:23

Now that he has opened his mouth and promised the world–or at least half of it–before his subjects, Herod is obliged to oblige even if he is in great distress. Leaders make themselves slaves by coveting the respect of their constituents. Herod immediately, therefore, sends his executioners to do the dirty deed and John the Baptist’s brief yet powerful ministry comes to an abrupt end.

Take It to Heart

Sadly for Herod, the Bible tells us he knew that John the Baptist was a righteous and holy man, yet he was too weak in his character to stand up for John’s support. He lacked the courage to embrace the hard right and opted instead for the easy wrong. He feared man more than he feared God. Those who strive for man’s approval often miss God’s grace. Remember Jonah’s earnest prayer from the belly of the great fish:

“Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.” —Jonah 2:8

“To the one who fears God, there is no reason to fear anything or anyone else.”  —Beth Moore

“Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two. He gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in their belts – and to put on sandals but not to wear two tunics.
He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the area. If a place will not welcome you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they went out and preached that all should repent. They cast out many demons and anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.” —Mark 6:7-13

Here our Lord sends out His disciples–two by two–seemingly, to experience a little taste of what is to come! Thus far they have been privy merely to sit at His feet, listening to His teaching and seeing His miracles. Yet the Lord Jesus had blessed them to be a blessing. Now they are about to learn the valuable lesson that His power extends beyond His personal presence. Some knowledge can be learned better on a field trip rather than in a classroom! The process of sending them out two by two allowed for mutual encouragement. Most assuredly, two are better than one.

Jesus sent them out to fulfill a specific special commission and His instructions were pertaining to that particular mission. These instructions were not to be taken as “Law” for all further mission assignments. He empowered them with His authority over evil spirits so that their message would be authenticated. They were to depend upon God to supply them with life’s necessities through the hospitality of others as God’s hand moved hearts to meet their needs. They were not to depend upon their own resources and strength. Much like the Israelites in the desert with the manna, they were to trust and depend upon God even in the smallest details of life.

I am reminded of our Lord’s words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith?” —Matthew 6:25-30

When Jesus sends us out on mission–be it overseas or to the grocery store–we can be assured He has prepared the way for us as well. It is His desire for us to bring Christ to our every encounter–as we go forth, Spirit led, in His all-achieving power. Remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians:

“But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” —1 Corinthians 2:9-10

We can be conscious of God’s leading at all times as we listen to His still small voice. The Prophet Isaiah tells us:

“The LORD will give you distress to eat and suffering to drink; but your teachers will no longer be hidden; your eyes will see them. You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying, “This is the correct way, walk in it,” whether you are heading to the right or the left.” —Isaiah 30:20-21

Take It to Heart

Much like John the Baptist, the disciples’ message was one of repentance–turning from sin in repentance to the One true God. The great goal of gospel preaching should be to bring people to repentance–to a new heart and a new way. They were not out to amuse the public with clever anecdotes, rather they plainly preached the necessity of turning back to God. The disciples were obedient to Jesus’ command and Scripture tells us they were blessed in their obedience–healing the sick and driving out demons. When we walk with Jesus we walk victoriously–whether we readily perceive it or not.

God’s promise to Moses in Exodus is true for us as well:

““I am going to send an angel before you to protect you as you journey and to bring you into the place that I have prepared.” —Exodus 23:20

Further Reflections

“God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.”—David Nicholas

“What is needed is not mere present professions, but perseverance to the end in the power of faith.” -—Ignatius of Antioch

“Now Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” And so they took offense at him.
Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and among his relatives, and in his own house.” He was not able to do a miracle there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
And he was amazed because of their unbelief. Then he went around among the villages and taught.” —Mark 6:1-6

In these verses we find Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth–and His welcome is anything but warm. Jesus was experiencing the truth of the old adage that familiarity often breeds contempt.

Despite the fact that they readily acknowledged Jesus’ wisdom and miraculous powers, these Nazarenes simply could not get passed Jesus’ lineage. His roots were too ordinary for their liking. Jesus amazed them with His teaching, yet they could not accept the truth of His words. “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?”

It is no wonder our Lord states He is a prophet without honor. But because His hometown hearers were offended, their bias was their downfall. What can we learn from this? Our prejudices and lack of understanding can prove to be a stumbling block! In the Old Testament we are reminded not to trust in our natural inclinations but in the Lord:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Take It to Heart

Because of their lack of faith and persistent unbelief–Jesus did few miracles in his own hometown. His achieving power was never limited, but it was performed primarily in the presence of faith. Sadly, so far as scripture records, Jesus never returned to Nazareth.

“God’s willingness to show mercy appears by His joyfulness when sinners take hold on His mercy. God’s goodness is that He rejoices at the salvation of sinners and is glad when His mercy is accepted. God rejoices when a poor sinner comes in and takes hold of His mercy. What an encouragement to believe in God!  He is a God of pardons. Mercy pleases Him. Nothing prejudices us but unbelief. Unbelief stops the current of God’s mercy from running, shuts God’s bowels, closes the cavity of Christ’s wounds, so no healing virtue will come out. As far as the heavens are above the earth, so far is God’s mercy above our sins. What will tempt us to believe, if not the mercy of God?” —Thomas Watson, Glorifying God

Further Reflections

“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.” —John Bunyan

For this reason the LORD is ready to show you mercy; he sit on his throne, ready to show you mercy. For the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for him! —Isaiah 30:18

While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house saying, “Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?”
But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. They came to the house of the synagogue leader where he saw noisy confusion and people weeping and wailing loudly. When he entered he said to them, “Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep!”
And they began making fun of him. But he forced them all outside, and he took the child’s father and mother and his own companions and went into the room where the child was.
Then, gently taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up.” The girl got up at once and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). They were completely astonished at this. He strictly ordered that no one should know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. —Mark 5:35-43

Most assuredly, there are times in our lives when we discover it is more difficult to demonstrate faith and trust than others. In our verses for today Jairus is experiencing just this. However, it is precisely at that times that we must remember that our faith is strengthened one difficult circumstance at a time as God proves Himself faithful. We will find Him to be trustworthy over and over again. We rest securely in the will of God no matter how hard the wind may blow. And when we rest in God, we are in the safest place on earth whether we comprehend it or not.

It is an important principle that we learn to trust as we are given the opportunity to trust. While Satan tempts us for evil–to get us to fall, God tests us for good–in an effort to ever increase our faith. Scripture tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, who rewards those who earnestly seek Him:

“It’s the painful testings that hold the possibility of powerful testimony–and every trial is but steps in your triumphant march.” —Ann Voskamp

I am reminded of Abraham God called him to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice (see Genesis 22). Surely every ounce of his being wanted to run in the other direction–abort the mission and cling steadfastly to his beloved child. Yet in faith he chose to obey God and go forward.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son. God had told him, “Through Isaac descendants will carry on your name,” and he reasoned that God could even raise him from the dead, and in a sense he received him back from there. —Hebrews 11:17-19

Sometimes God takes us to a difficult place. However, He as He asks us to trust Him, we believe in His goodness in a deeper, broader, and wider way.

We do not know if Jairus had had the privilege of experiencing much of Jesus and His ways before he came face to face with his trial. We are not made aware if he had been privy to have had as much history of God’s faithfulness in his life as Abraham brought to his test yet he had the enormous benefit of Jesus quite literally walking by his side. Jairus was confident Jesus could heal the sick; certainly that was why he had approached the Healer in the first place. He was not quite as sure, however, that our Lord could or would raise the dead. When the messengers come with the news that his daughter had died and not to bother the Healer any more, Jesus encourages him with the words: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Jairus had a choice. He could trust Jesus’ Word or he could cave, consider it hopeless and abort his decision to trust Jesus in the first place. When we are given a word from the Lord we have the same options and opportunities to either go further still with the Master or remain in the lowlands.

Calling His inner circle of Peter, James, and John–they proceed to Jairus’ home. There they discover the noisy clamor of many mourners and wailers. Jesus rebukes the commotion proclaiming: “The child is not dead but asleep.” The crowd responds with laughter and mockery mixed with jeers against our Lord. The Healer speaks a word and with His all-powerful hand raises the dead girl up. Immediately she begins walking around to the astonishment of the onlookers.

Take It to Heart

“Is anything impossible for the LORD?” —Genesis 18:14

Great faith is built one test at a time.

Further Reflections

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. —Isaiah 26:3

“God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.” —Elisabeth Elliot