Luke 8:49

New International Version (NIV)

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

For meditation

O, the agony of personal loss! How painful to the hopeful and disappointing to  the eager saint! For, when the last train has come and gone, and the lover was not on it; what hope remains for the beloved? What crop is there to harvest when the rains did not come as expected? Unfortunately, that has been the story of millions all over the world. Every day, somebody somewhere is hoping and waiting for something special to happen in their life. They wait with joyful anticipation or nervous expectation. Either way, they share a common goal – a happy ending – and such was the story of Jairus.

His twelve-year old daughter was sick, so he went to Jesus for help (Lk. 8:40-56). While Jesus stopped on the way to help a hemorrhaging woman, a messenger came from Jairus’ house:  “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore” (49). Jairus’ hope for a happy ending quickly dissipated, and he was left holding a bag of disappointment, but for the One he was walking with.

1. Have you received such a report before?
2. Have you ever been told that it’s no use to bother heaven with your cry for divine intervention, because your marriage is irreparable? Or, was it a deal they said was dead? Is that your situation now with that dreaded doctor’s report?
3. Before, you go on a trail of unnecessary accusations and self-pity, can you hear the comforting words of the Master to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (50)? Isn’t that wonderful!
4. Again, before you allow the professional mourners to fill your house with much sorrow (52), can you take a walk with Jesus to the deathbed of Jairus’ daughter and observe the power of Jesus over any dead situation (54)?
5. Will your seemingly hopeless situation remain unresponsive against His command?

I pray you will remain hopeful and trusting in Jesus when you receive adverse reports, knowing that the One who walks with you, Jesus, the Son of God, is able to resurrect your dead situation that is presented to Him by faith.

So: May you hear His gentle whisper, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (50); and may your dead situation come alive when Jesus speaks to it in His own time. Amen!

When Jesus speaks, every dead situation comes alive!

Shalom