February 21

Mark 5:21-43

What is the most desperate you have ever been? When was the last time you felt like life was out of control and there was nothing you could do to fix the problem? Mark 5 introduces us to two people who, in their desperation, did the only thing they could think to do: run to Jesus. We see Jairus, a synagogue ruler, and therefore, most likely not surrounded by friends who are encouraging him to ask Jesus to heal his daughter. Desperate for healing, he invites Jesus to his home to heal his daughter. He was unconcerned with what people might think, he just wanted someone to save his daughter. While Jesus is on the way, a woman “who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years” came to him. She believed that despite no one being able to heal her, Jesus could. She was unconcerned with societal norms or that she was technically unclean, she just wanted someone to save her. In both situations, Jesus was able to save.

These miracles happened because a man and a woman took their needs to Jesus, and he responded. Their initiative is amazing, but ultimately, these stories are not about Jairus and the bleeding woman but about the power of Jesus. We are weak, needy people who need to take the initiative to go to Jesus, and he will do the rest. He might heal, or he might not; he might transform our circumstances, or he might keep us in them. Regardless, he is the one we need to run to in our times of need.

Father God, help me to run to you with all my needs. Amen. 

What excuses or reasons keep you from running to God in your times of need?

No Comments