September 24th, 20

FAITH SEES IT THROUGH

Today’s readings are Ezra 2 -3 and Luke 8.  We are reading from the New Living Translation.

Why trouble the teacher.  Why bother?  There’s no use anymore.  It’s gone too far.  Those are the sounds of despair.  That’s the sound that Jairus was facing. The unimaginable was happening.  His 12-year-old girl was dying. He reached out in faith – hoping that Jesus might have some answer, might be able to do something.  But on this journey of faith, he hears the words,

“Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” (Lk 8:49 NLT)

Fear and despair want to have the last word. They want to convince us that there is no use turning to God.  But fear will not have the last word.  Jesus has the last word. And he tells Jairus what he tells you and me.  He says,

Don’t be afraid. Just have faith (Lk 8:50 NLT)

Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go into the room with him but Peter, James, John, and Mom and Dad.  These were the only ones who could enter into this space. He shut the door on fear, the scoffers, and disbelief.  Jesus had to make room for faith to do it’s work.  

Christian, with the power of Christ in us- we need to shut the door on fear and disbelief, so that faith can do its work.  

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Heb 11:1 NLT)

Faith sees through to the resurrection.  That’s what Jesus sees here.  Everyone else sees a dead 12-year-old girl.  But not Jesus.  He says:

Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep. (Lk 8:52 NLT)

The crowd laughs at him but he goes into that room, takes her by the hand, and speaks a word of life to her:  

My child, get up!  And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! (Lk 8:54 – 55 NLT)

This was the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things, up til now, unseen.  

When we are facing the unimaginable – when the words Don’t bother –  Why trouble God? – It’s too late anyway – come knocking on our heart, Friend, hear what Jesus is saying to Jairus and to you.  Don’t be afraid.  Just believe.  Allow him to close the door on fear and disbelief.  Allow him to take you into that place where he can speak words of life into you and resurrect your hope.  

Why bother the Teacher? – -Because the teacher wants to be bothered.  He doesn’t mind being bothered by our faith.  So, let’s come to him with the things hoped for, and wait for the evidence of things not seen.  Let him speak His words of life into you, today.

You are loved!