Today was all about the 4th of July Parade in Bothell, WA. Marianne did such an awesome job grabbing us some great seats in the shade and we were able to cheer on the Cedar Park Christian Cheer Team as they walked the route. Great memories created today. Thats Bella doing a heart with her hands, Prim standing to her right, and Sophie is in the back of the group pulling the wagon with her hand in the air.
While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” Luke 8:49-50 [NKJV]
See, I can only get a few verses each day before the Lord gives me a new primary takeaway, I feel I must absorb and apply. Today is no different.
“While He was still speaking…” is when He was telling the woman who had the Blood disorder that her faith had healed her and to go in peace. So the feeling is that these things are happening right after each other in a quick-fire kind of way. You must notice that Jarius says nothing here…Jesus doesn’t let him get a word in (right after the messenger brings word that his daughter had already passed away). I can see Jesus turning his attention to Jarius and holding His hand up saying [Ben’s paraphrasing and color added], “Don’t lose it, don’t worry or be afraid…Just believe. Your daughter will be made well.” As we follow the rest of the story, that promise is made good on by Jesus telling the girl to get up and she does.
Application:
The order of events here are 1) Jarius comes to plead with Jesus (falling at Jesus’ feet even) to save his daughter who is dying, 2) Jesus’ journey through the city is interrupted by a lady touching His cloak and Jesus stopping to address her, 3) a messenger comes and says that Jarius’ daughter is dead, 4) Jesus comforts and reassures Jarius that his daughter would be made well, and 5) Jesus comes through on that promise…but there are two words that Jesus presses in His reassurance to Jarius, –> “only Believe“. This same set of steps happens all the time to us. So, how do I apply “only Believe” in my earthly walk? I Believe that what God is doing is to bring about His good will and purposes. That when I pray, I pray believing that God’s best outcome for my situation will prevail — this may not be the outcome I am looking for; but it is the outcome leading to the completion of His will on this earth in my set of circumstances. I can’t lose heart; I must keep faith in the moments.