What’s dead in your life? Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8;41-56
There are three accounts in the Bible that tell of Jesus directly raising people from the dead. One was a close friend who had been dead for four days. Another was in his coffin, the only son of his widowed mother. Jesus had compassion on her and gave her son back to her, alive. Lastly, this story of Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter. Jairus was a well-known religious leader, a ruler in the synagogue. His daughter was gravely ill and he came to Jesus asking Him to come to his house so that He could heal his daughter.
Jesus proceeded to follow Jairus to his house as people were thronged around Him. As Jesus was walking a woman who had a blood disease believed that if she touched even the hem of His garment she would be healed. As Jesus continued walking He felt that power had been released from His body and didn’t know who had done this. He stopped and asked His disciples who touched His clothes. Since there were throngs of people around Him, the disciples were surprised at His question. The woman who had believed for her healing spoke up because she felt the power that healed her. Jesus called her daughter and said her faith had made her whole and to go in peace and be healed.
As this was going on a messenger came to Jairus and said that his daughter had died and not to bother Jesus, it was too late. Jesus hearing this said to Jairus “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Jesus did not allow the crowd to follow Him, only His disciples, Peter, James, and John and Jairus. When they got to the house there were a lot of mourners grieving loudly over the girl’s death. Jesus said, “Why are you making so much noise, the child is not dead but sleeping.” They laughed with mockery and contempt.
Jesus sent the mourners away and took the parents and His disciples to where the daughter laid. He took her hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you arise.” Immediately she arose and walked. Jesus told the parents to give her something to eat. Everyone was amazed.
No matter what stage of death, Jesus had the power to raise the dead. Lazarus was dead for four days and in his tomb; the widow’s son in his open coffin was in his funeral procession, and Jairus’ young daughter had been dead for a few hours. Jesus had asked Lazarus’ sister and Jairus to believe and not be afraid. Jesus also said that we could do the works He did and even greater works, if we believe.
Personal Development Tip of the week:
Although we have a long way to go, we can build our faith by not letting fear be a part of it. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God and it is a force that can grow.
It doesn’t matter what stage your faith is in, Jesus can resurrect your faith, your hopes, and your dreams, if you believe. (John 14:12-14; John 11:25; Mark 11:24)
What are some dreams you have written off because you don’t think you can accomplish them or you have been deterred by challenges or setbacks?
Write them down today and pray and ask God for guidance and wisdom because he put those dreams in you for a reason and wants you to pursue them while you are here.
Prayer for the week:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. As we return from the holiday break I’m praying for you lord to continue to pour your favor and grace over their life. I’m praying for your protection this week and explosive blessings on whatever they put their hands to in Jesus name amen!
-Dayne
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What's Dead In Your Life?