In Mark 5:21-43 are two important instances that occurred simultaneously. In the first few verses, Jesus is approached by a synagogue leader named Jairus, who pleads with Jesus to come lay hands on his daughter so she will recover from her nearly-fatal illness.
Then, as Jesus, Jairus, and their entourage move toward Jairus' home, a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood touches his garment, and stops the entire procession.
During the time of this "delay", when the woman is healed, Jesus stops, and Jesus and the woman are conducting their dialogue, Jairus' daughter dies.
Later in the chapter, Jesus restores life to this girl, but during the time of his delay while healing this woman, do you think Jairus (the girl's father and leader of the synagogue) was really focused on how Jesus was healing the woman with the twelve-year issue of blood? Was he giving God the glory for doing what God wanted to do, and in God's own time?
My gut tells me no. In verse 35, even Jairus' servants suggested that he didn't need to bother Jesus anymore, because they thought his daughter was past the point of salvation. Perhaps that's why Jesus chose to ignore them and tell Jairus (in verse 36) to "Don't worry. Just have faith!" (Contemporary English Version).
Everything occurs because God allows it. Nothing occurs that surprises God. He knows our endings before he allows us to face any situation. When I'm faced with my own "Jairus Situation", I pray that God gives me the peace and courage to cling to hope, by clinging to Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Please pray for the saints.
© 2008 Scotty Ward
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