Just Believe

Mark 5:33-36 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher further?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.”
 
JESUS’ healing work would be remarkable in any corner of the world. But this new revelation of God’s glory would have had special meaning in Israel. For 400 years God had been silent. There was no Word from the prophets. No life-changing, earth-moving miracles came from I AM (Exodus 3) as he had shown to their ancient ancestors. Then suddenly God’s Son began moving heaven’s power into his chosen people. Visible, dramatic manifestations of God’s glory changed lives. How would you respond if God stood ready to so powerfully touch you? What would you do if he healed you? Would you be afraid?
   Fear is the response of the woman he healed from 12 years of bleeding. She came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. Did she believe she was unqualified for such a miracle?
   Then God, who is love, called her, “Daughter.” and affirms, “your faith has healed you.”  She had faithfully pursued Jesus through a massive crowd. She knew she only needed to touch his cloak. She had faith to go and pursue healing. There is no reason to be afraid of God’s retribution when you faithfully seek a renewed life. Jesus stands ready to joyfully welcome you into a new life under his merciful care. “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” is God’s gracious command to his new-born child. His will is for her to faithfully enjoy the blessed life he has given to her. Jesus heals you into joy.
   Jesus also spoke to quiet Jairus’ fear in his most desperate situation. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. Then Jesus poured his love into Jairus as he had to the woman. “Don’t be afraid.” he urges the distraught father, “Just believe.”
   Believe. Go to the Savior for healing. Believe. Trust he wants you to go to him. Believe. Understand he is the Almighty God, who went to a cross to heal your soul. Believe. He will embrace you in even your deepest needs.
   Jesus tells you and shows you there is no room for the type of fear that makes you afraid of God and keeps you from his kingdom. Jesus has come to earth as God’s continuing revelation of his unsurpassable love. Jesus is Resurrection. He is Conqueror. God’s history tells us that nothing can stand against his authority. He calls you, “Daughter. Son.” In this holy relationship, be of faith. Know you can release your hold on the world’s limitations. Believe you can firmly and forever grasp his exaltation.