Luke 8:40–56 ‘But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”’ (v54)
There are several accounts of Jesus raising the dead in the Gospels. In the story of Jairus’ daughter, it is poignant as there has been an interruption and all seems lost (vv43–49).
But with Jesus, delays are not important to His plans and purposes. He is never fazed. He is never panicking. He is never worried or stressed.
He goes to Jairus’ house where the synagogue ruler’s daughter lies dead. And allowing only His closest disciples and the child’s parents to witness the event, He raises the girl to life.
Jesus comes to change lives. He can bring life from what seems dead, for He Himself is the life – the very life of God (John 14:6).
It’s a different kind of life that He brings, one lived in the power of the Holy Spirit; a transforming presence living inside. It’s a gift, one we are offered but never forced into taking.
Raised to new life, we are invited to live a new way. Sometimes, though, it is almost as if we would rather stay in our old ways! Old habits are comfortable, aren’t they?
A bit of the old, a bit of the new… But have you ever tried walking looking backwards, over your shoulder? We don’t get very far when we try that!
Living for Jesus means looking forward, walking with Him, in His power. We are raised up into new patterns of being. Walking with God means we step into His promises.
We can only imagine the excitement in Jairus’ family as new life was breathed into his daughter. What will we do with the new life breathed into us?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, thank You for the new life You bring. Help me to live it to the full,
in Your power and for Your glory. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Think of things that look dead but are alive, such as a garden in winter. How does this speak to you of the power of Jesus… even in your own life?
Scripture To Consider:
Ezek. 36:16–38; Jer. 31:1–14; Mark 2:18–22; 2 Cor. 5:11–21
