Contrasts in Faith

February 13, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Mark 5:21-42

Why some people are named in the Bible, when others are not, remains a mystery. However, both Mark and Luke record a situation in which there are 2 players. “One of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus” has gone down in history as a person who “Seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet and pleaded earnestly with Him” asking Jesus to heal his young daughter, who seemed to be on her death bed (Mark 5:22-23). This was not the usual posture of a Pharisee or a Sadducee.

We read that Jesus went with him. How kind Jesus was! Able to overlook the usual mocking of the religious establishment, He saw beyond all that to the genuine desires of this man’s heart. The crowd of people made his progress slow. As well he was delayed by the sensation of power leaving His body. More about that later.

Friends of Jairus met them on the road to say his little daughter had died (Mark 5:35). Jesus was very reassuring, encouraging Jairus’ faith with the words “Don’t be afraid, just believe”. How discouraging it must have been then to find, upon arriving at the house, that already professional mourners had been hired to join friends and family “crying and wailing loudly (5:38). They laughed at Jesus when He told them the child was not dead (5:39).

Quietly Jesus put the mourners out while He went to the bedside. Calling “Talitha koum” [Little girl I say to you get up]. The end of the story finds the family completely astonished at her healing! (5:42). The question remains – Did they believe after the miracle took place?

In the midst of this story we find another example of faith. A woman who is unnamed had been suffering for 12 years. Why did God let her struggle for such a long time? Her condition classified her as “unclean”. This would have isolated her socially, and removed all hope of her growing spiritually, since she was not allowed to go into the temple or the synagogue, while she remained “unclean”. Yet in the end the power of God was seen in a significant miracle of healing!

We find this woman in a “crush” of people (Luke 8:42). Unfortunately, in the crowds surrounding our Lord she was lost – her identity hidden. In faith she touched Jesus’ cloak, believing He had the power to heal her. Jesus felt it! “I know that power has gone out from Me” He said (Luke 8:46). Just imagine if we could only touch the hem of His garment, would He feel power going out of Him? How do we accomplish that today?

Note that the message of hope and help in Jesus had been given to the community of folks who surrounded him. How many others in that crowd had the courage to act in faith, to be healed? What was it that actually healed this woman? It wasn’t the touch – it was her faith. Down through history she has been known by Jesus’ commendation. “Daughter your faith has healed you”. Then the Prince of Peace encouraged her to “Go in peace” (Mark 5:34, Luke 8:48).

Reflection:
Faith comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is very visible, but at other times it might be quietly hidden from the masses. “Faith comes by hearing” Paul wrote to the Roman church (1:17). Faith is a theme throughout all of the Apostle’s writings. It is of eternal significance. “Without Faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Jairus and the nameless woman were rewarded because they put their trust in the living God. Where is your faith taking you today?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Love Begets Love

May 12, 2019 AdminLeave a comment

woman carrying baby at beach during sunset — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

1 John 4

So many people today seem to be starving for love. How many men and women will go to almost any lengths to generate a love relationship? Sadly they are often motivated by a desire to have their felt needs met, in order to feel complete. This imposes the impossible on other people. Only God can fill this void. When we know Him we have a new self-image because we recognize all the potential He has created. Though some fear this looks like pride, in reality this celebrates the love with which He created us. Jesus understood this necessity when He instructed His listeners to “love your neighbour as [much as you love] yourself” (Mark 12:31).

The apostle John had seen this type of love in action, had witnessed the remarkable love of Jesus for people of every station in life, the poor and marginalized, those who were oppressed, those who were socially unclean, physically challenged, demon possessed, the rich and famous. Jesus’ loving spirit, His compassionate nature reached out to draw people to Him. People followed Him in droves all over the countryside. They even forgot they were hungry as they gathered on the hillsides to listen to Him. Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles alike sought Jesus for His wisdom, coming to Him by day or by night.

When our needs drive our passions, values we believe in can quickly erode away. There are a dangers in making such personal sacrifices while trying to make someone love you. Jesus was devoid of any such personal agenda. His ministry was for the people whose lives He touched. He didn’t fear what people thought, but rather was committed to doing the will of God, day by day, person to person. His motivation for coming to earth was love. Paul describes it as humble obedience, servant-like (Philippians 2).

Look around you at those people who have a lot of quality friendships. Why have they been so blessed? What is lacking in lives that are virtually friendless and desperately lonely. How often have I heard people complaining about the church as a cold and uncaring place? In reality that perspective is often held by those who find it difficult to love themselves. Without a confidence in who they are, people often find it difficult to reach out to others, or when they do they only talk about themselves.

Love is interested in what makes another tick. For most, this is the essence of Mother-love. Moms want to understand what things their kids will enjoy? In Church we show interest in where people come from? What are some highlights of their lives, or is there anything they find challenging, need prayer for? Can you relate – laugh and cry together? Do you have a positive outlook on life that attracts others, because of what God is doing in your life? Has the love of God overwhelmed you with its purity and peace?

We can learn from the Apostle who writes that love is from God (1 John 4:16). He saw love teaching in the synagogue, challenging the heresies of that day, feeding 5,000, healing lepers, hanging on a cross. Perhaps you have never seen the love of God. When you do, you will understand how love begets love!

Reflection:

In our world today people crave attention and value the number of friends they have on social media. In the light of our discussion today, what would help them to resolve this tremendous “felt need”?

Vist Marilyn at http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional · Uncategorized

My Gentle Shepherd

April 21, 2019April 21, 2019 AdminLeave a comment

man holding sheep statuette — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Isaiah 40:1-5, 10-11

Many years ago the Gaithers wrote beautiful lyrics addressing the need people have of a Shepherd. They perceived a need for strength, provision and guidance that comes from God alone. Like Martin Luther, they recognized there was no other that we can turn to for answers to the problems in our lives today. This Shepherd, they knew from scripture would be gentle.

Isaiah makes an astonishing contrast as he describes God’s power. “See the Sovereign Lord comes with power and His arm rules for Him” (40:10). Then, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah also describes God as a Shepherd, One who gathers the lambs in His arms and carried them close to His heart. What a tender picture! This Shepherd also “gently leads” (40:11).

Isaiah chapter 40 is described as one of consolation, reviewing the greatness of God. We do not often equate gentleness with greatness, but here it is. Paul also tells us the fruit of the Holy Spirit living within each believer, produces gentleness, among a host of other qualities derived from the greatness of God’s character. Isaiah begins the chapter with an injunction from God to “comfort My people” (:1), to “speak tenderly to Jerusalem” (:2).

There are hints of salvation as God’s voice calls “prepare the way for the Lord” (:3). Whatever did that mean? Matthew enlightens us in his gospel. John the Baptist, hundreds of year after Isaiah’s prophecy, was identified as the one who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. How did he accomplish this? By preaching repentance (Matthew 3:8).

Jacob was the first person who called God his Shepherd. As he blessed his sons on his deathbed he told them “God has been my Shepherd all my life to this day” (Genesis 48:15). Centuries later King David is famous for saying “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The Magi, visiting baby Jesus identified Him as the fulfillment of prophecy “who will be the Shepherd of My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6).

Jesus confirmed that “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “No one can snatch them out of My hand” (10:28). “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me” (10:27). Mark records Jesus’ rebuke when the disciples wanted to shoo little children away, thinking He would be too busy for kids. “He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them”(Mark 10:16) What a sweet picture of my Gentle Shepherd!

Reflection:

Do you need a Shepherd in your life? Why or why not?

“Dear Father, What a comfort it is to be held close to Your heart. Thank You for loving me as only God can love, unconditionally. Thank You for forgiving me for all my failures and wrong choices. I pray that You will strengthen my faith as day by day I learn to lean on You for guidance. Help me to discern Your will for my life, day by day. Thank You for Your Holy Word that nourishes my soul! Thank You for protecting me from evil, as I follow Jesus day by day. May my life be pleasing in Your sight. Thank You for being such a gentle Shepherd”

Visit Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net