Luke 8:49-56
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
If you haven’t already, read Luke 8:40-48 and then read today’s passage, Luke 8:49-56.
It is Jairus, a high-ranking member of Israel’s religious elite, who is one of the first in line when Jesus lands back on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The crisis in this authority figure’s personal life has pushed all skepticism and cynicism aside. Jairus has either seen or heard about Jesus’ healing power and that is what he most needs right now. Jairus, the synagogue leader, falls at Jesus’ feet in abject humility.
To the average onlooker, this situation might seem like a strategic opportunity for Jesus to win over an important person in the religious establishment. But in spite of the urgency of the situation Jesus is open to the interruption of the woman in the crowd. Jesus gives both the synagogue leader and the unclean woman the same attention and compassion. And Jesus’ compassionate delay results in the death of Jairus’ daughter.
Imagine for a moment being Jairus, having humbled yourself and begged for Jesus’ help, and then learning that Jesus has not responded in time. Have you ever experienced something similar? Talk openly with Jesus about this as you revisit what you thought and felt in that situation.
Read Luke 8:49-56 again.
Faith is “the evidence of things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1).” Faith is believing in the goodness and power of Jesus even when the very thing we ask him for is denied to us. Faith holds on to who Jesus is and believes that Jesus loves us even when our deepest desires and most longed-for dreams die.
Jesus may not always restore our lost hopes and dreams exactly as they were, but Jesus will restore us and shape us in the midst of our deepest disappointments - if we keep on trusting him and believing in his goodness. Whether you have achieved success in this world or whether you are a complete mess, Jesus loves you with an everlasting love and will use everything for your good and the good of the world.
For the rest of your time in meditation today, sit in silence and let the love of Jesus wash over you. Speak to him sharing your gratitude for his love.
What might Jesus want you to learn or do from the example of Jairus?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
