Big Love

The crowd gasped as an old woman hobbled before Jesus. She looked downright contrite, clearly expecting the lecture of an lifetime. Jesus, however, did not wear an annoyed or stern expression. In fact, based on the curl of his lip, Jesus looked amused.

Jairus watched the woman and Jesus. He was trying to quiet the way his heart was screaming, "What about me?! Don't forget my daughter! She's dying! Jesus, don't forget about me."

Sure, he had some sympathy for her, but who wouldn't? The woman had suffered for twelve years from this affliction. Like so many others, she knew that Jesus was the answer. But he had gotten to Jesus first, and time was not on their side. They couldn't delay.

Jairus attempted to keep from bouncing in anxiety or tapping his toes in impatience. Jesus had completely stopped to deal with this woman. Apparently, Jairus had to wait his turn.

Finally things seemed to be wrapping up. Jairus was just about to jump back into the conversation and urge Jesus to follow him when he saw him.

It was a servant from his house. A trusted servant and long time friend.

Without even being close enough to speak, Jairus knew.

He met the other man's grim eyes, and watched as he shook his head slightly. It was like watching his whole world fall apart. His daughter was gone.

The anguish rolled toward him like a tidal wave, but just before it could claim him, a hand clasped his shoulder.

"Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well." Jesus spoke quietly, but firmly. Oh, how he wanted to believe those words and cling to them like the lifeline that they were! Without them, he would drown.

So he nodded, and followed Jesus.

It was his turn.

Based on Luke 8:47-50

Recently, I did a blog on this topic on our spin off blog, Snack Pack for Kidz. However, ever since then, I haven't been able to shake this thought, this message. Somebody, maybe all of us, needed to be reminded of this very important truth.

So here goes...

I started wondering one day about how Jairus must have felt watching this woman receive healing. What emotions would be tugging for control of me if I was in the one waiting there? Jealously, annoyance, and good old fashioned freaking out. I would be happy for the woman, but it would be forced in light of my own trauma.

I would be thinking one thing.

Hurry up! I saw him first and it's my turn!

Come on, I can't be the only one.

What I have come to absolutely love about this story, more then any other part, is that moment where the deep pit of despair calls to Jairus, but Jesus pulls him out with ten little words. "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well."

It's that moment where Jairus has to see and believe that Jesus is big enough, powerful enough, and has enough time to help him, too. Despite what the natural says. I love to picture Jairus realizing that God is big enough to help him, too.

God has so much love for you, it would squash you like a bug! I know that's a silly statement, but seriously, it's totally true. God has all this love and time for you and your life and all the problems that come with it. Just because He is God of the universe, and has billions of other people to focus on doesn't mean He doesn't have time for you.

Point in fact, you are priority. You are a VIP to the King of Kings.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

God has big love for you. You can never hear this message enough. Probably because it takes so long to sink in... So I say again, God has big love for you. It is real. It is great. And it is big enough for everyone and their baggage. So don't be afraid to trust God. Only believe.

V. Joy Palmer