The Sixth Week of Easter: From FEAR to HOPE

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“...some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ”

— Mark 5:35-36

A Jesus-Story Retold: After the good news “fear not”

I could see the fear in his eyes and hear the tremble in his voice. And it was troubling. After all, Jairus was one of our synagogue’s most trusted leaders: someone we turned to for comfort and advice, assurance and hope, especially in the most trying of times. But now, with his own beloved little girl at death’s door, he seemed just another powerless grieving parent – fighting and clawing with everything he had, begging and bargaining God almighty to save her. Yet there had been no healing and no answer from above as the girl’s breath threatened to flee her frail body at any minute.

I could see the hurt in his eyes and hear the quiver in his voice as he quietly asked me and a few others to come with him. I thought we were going to the synagogue, to offer more prayers and sacrifices. Surely the LORD would answer our acts of faith.

But to my surprise, we walked past the synagogue and to the very shores of the lake, where a crowd had gathered around a person I didn’t recognize. He was dressed simply and humbly, but by the shouts of “Hosanna, save us,” and “Heal me, Master,” you’d swear that he was royalty.

Jairus led us right into the middle of the throng, worming and twisting his way toward the center. I hung back, unsure about the situation, and asked a stranger what was going on. “It is Jesus of Nazareth, the Master, who has power to heal and save.” The name seemed familiar. I had heard whispers about such a traveling preacher and healer who was wandering the countryside. So he had come here.

Just then, I saw this Jesus turn to Jairus, who was almost in tears, pleading and gesturing and bowing. I could see the anguish in his eyes and hear the strain in his voice. Jesus bent near and softly simply said, “Do not fear. Only believe.” He then turned and started walking towards the town. The crowd moved with him, and I too, as we twisted our way through the city streets, stopping once while Jesus had another face-to-face conversation with one of the sick women who gathered near the well now and then. Their words were brief, and out of earshot. But soon he started moving again and didn’t stop until reaching the house of Jairus.

Some folks came out of the house and went straight to Jairus, faces ashen and eyes watery. Jairus shook his head as if to say “no.” I could make out a few words: “dead,” and “why bother?” I could see the despair in his eyes and hear the hopelessness in his voice. But Jesus lay his hand gently on Jairus’ shoulder and led him, his wife, and a few others into the house. Moments later, a large group of others came out: family members, servants, some close friends, and some of the other leaders of the synagogue. Some were chuckling. Others were angry. Still others were confused. A hush fell over the crowd as we all watched the scene unfold.

I waited around for a while, until the crowd grew restless and started to disband. I spent the rest of the night consumed in thought. What had I seen? What was going on?

The next afternoon, after Jesus and his followers had moved on, I headed to the synagogue to say a few prayers and maybe learn something about the girl’s funeral. As I neared the place I suddenly saw Jairus walking hand in hand with –– could it be? –– the daughter who had died. I ran to him with all sorts of questions, and as I neared, I could see the joy in his eyes and hear the wonder in his voice as he said, “My friend, you’ll not believe what has happened here.”

STEP THREE: PRAY

Steadfast God, when our fears are stoked to the breaking point and there seems no hope left, turn gently to us and remind us to believe and do not fear. Help us to trust your promise of life abundant. Help us to remain hopeful and steadfast in the light of your love. Amen.

Today’s devotion is by Pastor Scott Simmons