Read Mark 5:21-24, 35-43. Key Verse: But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." (v. 36)
The illness of a child, no matter how minor, worries a parent. The first fever of a newborn, a scrape or cut on a knee, dental surgery; all make for worries not matched easily by other things. The illness of a child near death is something no one deserves nor desires on their worst enemy. Such was the feeling of Jairus, a leader of his synagogue. His position is one that most would associate with those in power and at odds with this traveling rabbi, miracle worker, trouble-maker Jesus; but at the point of having no other options, Jairus goes to Jesus and falls at his feet and begs for his daughter's life. "Come, touch my daughter and make her well," his way of saying, "I don't want her to die; give her new life."
The illness of our Church is something that has taken us to several doors and to no avail. Yesterday a dear friend and I spoke of how it seems every year we try something or someone new, with hopes that this new person will have the answer to our ailing, precious Church. I truly believe we have not fallen at the feet of Jesus in complete surrender to Him with our pleas for our dying Church. We have to have the belief of Jairus that the touch of Jesus on our hearts may be that which will revive our Church, and not for our sake, but for the sake of those who are dying because our ministry has not yet touched them. We have not yet heard, and here is that word again, "listen" to Jesus in the above key verse, "Do not fear, only believe."
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I and the person praying this prayer, fall at Your feet in surrender and belief, asking and pleading for Your will to be done regarding our work here on the earth. May an awakening and revival occur first in my heart and let it be contagious as we seek to do that which will reach the world for You. I pray in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
