Worship
“Jesus” by Influence Music, Melody Noel, and Jonathan Traylor
Scripture
“The leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, came and fell down before him, pleading with him to heal his little daughter. ‘She is at the point of death,’ he said in desperation. ‘Please come and place your hands on her and make her live.’ Jesus went with him, and the crowd thronged behind. …
“While he was still talking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus’s home with the news that it was too late—his daughter was dead and there was no point in Jesus’ coming now. But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.’
“Then Jesus halted the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go on with him to Jairus’s home except Peter and James and John. When they arrived, Jesus saw that all was in great confusion, with unrestrained weeping and wailing. He went inside and spoke to the people.
“‘Why all this weeping and commotion?’ he asked. ‘The child isn’t dead; she is only asleep!’ They laughed at him in bitter derision, but he told them all to leave, and taking the little girl’s father and mother and his three disciples, he went into the room where she was lying.
“Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Get up, little girl!‘ (She was twelve years old.) And she jumped up and walked around! Her parents just couldn’t get over it. Jesus instructed them very earnestly not to tell what had happened and told them to give her something to eat.” -Mark 5:22-24, 35-43, emphasis added
I just returned yesterday from an Arise trip to Israel, where a team of 23 of us went on a spiritual journey to the Holy Land to be equipped and commissioned for this next chapter of what God has for His people. It was a “Covenant Tour,” where we were reminded of God’s promises of covenant to His people and His faithfulness from generation to generation. At one point in the journey, the Lord highlighted and did ministry from this story of Jarius’ daughter. I believe it was for more than just the 23 of us, so I am bringing this sacred and powerful moment to you. It was appointed of the Lord, and there is anointing on this moment for healing for more than just us. So, let’s walk together back to the home of Jairus.
Understanding Jairus’s Journey of Faith
Deep in grief, this father cried out for the life of his daughter. He came to Jesus in his own desperation and pain. There must have been a mustard seed of hope that Jairus, the synagogue leader, had in Jesus. Religion and law-keeping were pushed aside. This moment called for a miracle, and the only One to do that would be Jesus. Meanwhile, the little girl took her last breath. As Jairus fell on his knees, Jesus’ feet began to walk to the little girl. Along came the crowds, the disciples, the ridiculers and mockers, and the two desperate parents.
Two things were placed before Jairus as he walked with Jesus toward the miracle:
- “‘Don’t be afraid (Mark 5:36).'” In the face of grief and impossibility, Jesus asked Jairus to leave fear at the door. There’s no place for fear when we expect God to do the impossible. Faith and fear cannot coexist.
- “‘Just trust me (Mark 5:36).'” Believe in the One who is with you. Believe in what He can do with just a mustard seed of your faith. Believe in His goodness and faithfulness.
The Sacred Moment of Healing
Jesus got to the home where mourners were gathered. It’s believed that in those days, they hired professional mourners, some of whom decided to take on a mocking spirit and began to ridicule Jesus. He left them behind, protecting the faith of Jairus, and taking Peter, James, John, the mother, and Jairus, Jesus closed the door behind them. It was a sacred space for just a few who were invited into a holy moment of great victory.
The very presence of Jesus brought hope into the room and into the hearts of those five gathered, waiting for a miracle.
“… in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” -Romans 4:17b, ESV
Here laid a lifeless little one whom the enemy thought he could just snuff out. I wonder what spiritual battle raged over this little one. I wonder if the enemy thought he could silence her because she would be one who would do mighty exploits for Jesus. She was going to have a testimony that would cause many to come to Jesus; and in the enemy’s short sightedness and lack of omniscience, he temporarily muzzled her.
Jesus’s Personal Touch
Like the Centurion’s son, Jesus could have just said a word miles before.
Like Lazarus, He could have called her out of her room so all the crowds could see and be amazed. And with a word, she would have come back to life.
Instead, Jesus wanted to be near her. He wanted to take her by the hand and let the peace of His presence and the joy of who He is cause her to arise.
He took her by the hand and declared, “‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you arise (Mark 5:41, NAB)!’”
Finding Hope in Our Circumstances
And this was the moment for our team of 23 when God looked at each one of us, stretched forth His hand, and placed these two words on our spirits: Talitha koum.
On your bed of disillusionment, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of defeat and the end of what seems like dreams hoped for, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of sickness, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of waiting and longing and tears, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of hope deferred, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of endless storms, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!” (You will walk on water like Peter from this place!)
On your marriage bed of a broken covenant, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of fear and lack of faith, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
On your bed of suffering as your tears water the Earth, He places His hand in yours and says, “Little girl, arise!”
Beloved, this is your moment to take the hand of Jesus and let Him call you forth from death to life, so that dry bones will live again. As He had resurrection life to renew in us, He too has that for you. This is not the end; this is the beginning of a new chapter, a new day, and a new beginning. He does all things well, and His timing is perfect.
Leave fear and the mocking voices at the door. Close the door, and come away with Jesus.
A Prayer of Faith
It’s time for faith and trust to emerge in you. I am going to end this devotional with a prayer for you for these very things to rise up in you.
Father, thank You for our beds of trial and suffering. James tells us to rejoice in our suffering. So, we lift our hands in worship and thank You that You are not finished with us yet. Let the naysayers and the voices of opposition to our faith be silenced in Jesus’ name. I pray for a supernatural deposit of faith to silence fear and to enable us to walk in believing You are who You say You are and that You will do what You promised You will do. I ask for a wall of fire around these ones who need both protection and deliverance. Let this space of protection cocoon them and be a place of healing and resurrection. I pray that You would accelerate their healing and deliverance and supply them with faith as they wait. Jesus, manifest Your goodness, power, faithfulness, and love to them today. Would You allow them to see Your eyes of compassion and to hear Your words to them, “Talitha koum”? In the merciful and gracious name of Jesus, Amen!
Close with this worship song; let it be your declaration!
