The Pilgrim Path---Mark 5: 21-24

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live." And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.

Jairus's Daughter

---v. 21---Jesus crossed again: This Messiah of the Kingdom was about His Father's business. He rested long enough to be able to resume what was required of Him. Laboring for eternity is significant. That is what we are doing after the Lord Jesus Christ has drawn us to Himself. When we grow weary, we rest for a time---then we return to the task at hand with renewed commitment.

---v. 22---Jairus came: falling at Jesus' feet. Well, one of the great needs of human existence had arrived: Jairus' daughter was, "at the point of death." We all should know where to turn in the great moments of human extremity. We need to "go" in humility and soul vigor to the Living Christ. Sometimes we try entertainment, food, sex, the praise of people, drugs of every kind, pornography, gambling---all empty in the end. In the press of life---only one Fountain has Living Water...

---v. 23---Jairus went in faith: "Come lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live." There aren't many answers to prayer are there? Rehearse them in your mind: "Yes"--"No"--"Wait." Genuine answers to prayer....This anxious, broken, pleading father---did all he knew to do: he cried for his daughter's life...

---v. 24---Jesus went with Jairus: and a great crowd followed. The heart of Jairus had to swell with anticipation. Jesus wouldn't go with him, unless He was going to make her whole? So the man Jairus must have thought...It seems that as soon as Jesus "came" with him, Jairus knew---his daughter would be fine. Why? Because, this is the God-Man. This is Jesus. But what of the crowd? This moving mass? As you read the gospels, you know the Lord Jesus cared for them---yet so often, they really did not care for Him. Jesus attitude was often, "they like signs---but do not seek the Savior. The spectacular is appealing---but they care not for the Truth."

"Among all the gifts of God there is nothing more useful than faith. It is profitable for this life and the life to come. It is profitable for all parts and purposes in our lives. The use of it will be manifold and rich in every manner." Samuel Ward

"To live on the promises of God is the only quiet life. The life of sense is full of distracting cares and vexations, but the soul that lives by faith becomes a calm." Matthew Mead

"Not one ounce, not one grain-weight more is laid on me than he hath enabled me to bear...Faith hath caused to take courage from our very afflictions; the devil is but a whetstone to sharpen the faith and patience of the saint. I know he but cuts and polishes stones for the New Jerusalem." Samuel Rutherford

Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me;

The changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see:

I ask Thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro,

Seeking for some great thing to do, or secret thing to know;

I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go.

In service which Thy will appoints there are no bonds for me;

My secret heart is taught the truth that makes Thy children free;

A life of self-renouncing love is one of liberty.

Anna Waring (1850)

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our LORD, Pastor Jason