ROCKVILLE
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35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
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In moments of extreme distress and uncertainty we are more susceptible to the damaging impact of voices all around us. Some of the loudest voices are those that bombard us with reason and cause us to give way to fear. As Jairus was was waiting upon Jesus to heal his daughter, the news is delivered that she is dead, as well as the suggestion to no longer “bother the teacher”. It’s in those moments, when our hearts are jarred by pain or grief, that Jesus is deeply moved to intervene. He responds quickly to Jairus with a clear directive; “Don’t be afraid; just believe”. Jesus covers Jairus in his vulnerability and weakness by clearing away the faith draining voices around them, and calls him to simply trust.
“and He did not let anyone follow him”..
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When we come to Jesus with our deepest troubles, we are going with the flow of His perfect will for us. When we “bother” Him with our need we stand in our true identity as dependents. Two different times in this account we see Jesus clear out the chaos and clamor of competing voices. He dismisses the unspun emotions and upheaval, tenderly and fiercely covering the grieving parents, and raises the the little girl to life.
“They were completely astonished”.
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In every trial we face we can be assured that Jesus will be faithful to us and we can lock eyes with Him as He clears away the doubt and fear assaulting our hearts. Every voice silenced, except that of Jesus.