Leviticus 11-12 / Mark 5:21-43 / Psalm 38 / Proverbs 10:8-9
There is a lot happening in Mark 5, but the phrase that caught my attention today is something Jesus spoke to Jairus upon hearing the news that his daughter had died. Jesus said (in the NASB), “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.”
For Jesus to tell Jairus not to be afraid any longer, must mean that Jairus was coming in fear, as I can imagine one would if his daughter was dying. I can certainly tell you I would also have been afraid. But Jesus is asking Jairus to make an exchange.
Exchange fear for faith.
Believe means to be persuaded of, to think to be true, to place confidence in.
And in that moment, as Jairus looked into Jesus’s eyes, I bet he saw something that gave him courage, that gave him hope.
How many times have you looked into Jesus’s eyes when all hope is gone? When fear threatens to overwhelm you? And when you looked, what did you find? Peace? Answered prayer? Love?
You probably saw all of that and so much more. I love these words. Jesus knew what Jairus did not – a miracle was coming! Jesus saw beyond the natural world into the supernatural world, where it had been determined that this young girl’s life was far from over. She was going to live!
An in this account we find an important reminder for ourselves – do not look at what you see in the natural. Instead, look to Jesus to find out what He wants to do in your situation. No matter how difficult or hopeless things may seem, Jesus has a plan, and He is not only willing to share that plan with you, but also to come with an answer.
What are you facing? Where will you look today?
