(Mark 5:22,23 NLT) Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” To this point I have been sharing Old Testament examples of people we can identify with. So much is written about the central characters of the Old Testament that we are able to track their lives for years. However, I also want to introduce you to New Testament characters that we don’t know that much about. I want to show you that the tenets of faith and patience, joy and peace, and never giving up apply to individual situations. It’s easy to show persistence and perseverance in the life of someone over 10, 20, or 30 years. However, the teachings of this series can be applied to whatever you are facing right now. Over the next few weeks I will show you situations in scripture that do not span weeks, months, or years. I will show you how people had to stand in faith, and resist the temptation to quit, even during the span of minutes, hours, and days. I believe this will be most useful to you as you seek to overcome your daily challenges.
The first person I will highlight is Jairus. He was the ruler of the synagogue. In “Manners and Customs of the Bible” James M. Freeman says: “The ruler of the synagogue occupied a very important position. In the temple synagogue he was the third officer in rank; the first officer bring the high priest, and the second the chief of the priests… No one was eligible to this office until he had a certificate from the Great Sanhedrin that he possessed the requisite qualifications. His election, however, was by the members of the synagogue. It was his duty to supervise all matters of worship.” It’s obvious that Jairus had a personal relationship with the religious leaders of the time. Jairus knew their limitations and their strengths. So when life struck him with a major blow – his daughter’s serious illness – Jairus knew that his friends could not help. He had never seen them heal anyone. So instead of going to his friends, Jairus sought the help of the person his friends hated… JESUS!
Jesus was arriving at the seashore and his popularity drove a crowd to welcome him there. Jairus took a leap of faith. The people in the crowd knew who he was and whom he was affiliated with. Jairus did not care. His little daughter was dying and he needed help. As a parent, there is little you will not do for your children. Putting his little girl above his personal ties Jairus broke through the crowd and fell at Jesus’ feet. We will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God is a real God who desires a real, personal, and intimate relationship with you. This man had a real problem – his daughter was dying – and our real God showed up in a real way.
2. Religion alone (tradition and repetition) numbs people from expecting an authentic experience with God. Do you go to church, pray, etc. out of routine or do you actually have a relationship with God? This man broke away from the routine and the mundane.
3. Before you can believe that God is your answer, you oftentimes have to deduce you’re your others options are not. Have you been trying everything else, but God? Once you realize the others options cannot help you, you will be more apt to believe God will.
4. Your belief must drive your priorities and your actions. When your belief is strong it enables you to overcome internal pride and it frees you to bow before God in true worship. Jairus man had to get past what others would think or say. We must do the same.
Closing Confession: Father, I know You are a real God who deals with real people, with real problems, in a real way. I break out of routine and religion today, once and forever. I hunger for an intimate relationship with You. You are the answer to anything that exceeds my ability. If you have graced me to handle a situation, then I will handle it for Your glory. But when something exceeds my ability and the ability of others, I know I can always come to You. There is nothing impossible for You. There is nothing You cannot do. You are MY answer and You are my Lord! I worship You in private and in public! No matter the issue, my confidence is in You! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
