Removed

[From March 9, 2009]

"When (Jesus) had entered, he said to them, 'Why do you make commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.' And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was."

(Mark 5:39-40)

Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, came to Jesus begging that He save his daughter, who was at the point of death. Before Jesus was able to make it to Jairus' house, however, word came that the girl was dead. Upon arrival, there was a big commotion! Sorrow abounded. Jesus offered a word of hope: "She's not dead - just sleeping!" Jairus believed enough to seek out Jesus. What was he thinking when he heard these words of the Master? ("Could it be?!? Is there a chance?!?"). We know what the rest of the room thought: "THEY LAUGHED AT HIM." (v.40).

Wow. Laughing at the Savior of the World. IN HIS FACE, no less! Why? They couldn't possibly conceive what He said. So they laughed. Wow. Did Jesus try to argue or reason with the scoffers? Did he work to convince them he was right? No. He simply kicked them out of the room. All of them. Time to leave. Period. Only Jairus and his wife were permitted to stay there with Jesus, the disciples, and the body of the girl (well, it was soon to be more than just a body again!).

This wasn't the only time in scripture that a point is made about the power of faith and belief being directly related to the power of blessing by God. When he was back in his hometown, Jesus couldn't do many works of power "because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:1-6). Faith, belief and trust become the wiring that connect the POWER SOURCE (God!) to the object of need.

This seems to be a key insight for leaders in the church today. it's always good to have a variety of opinions and perspectives, sure. But when it gets down to "crunch time," when it's crucial for ministry/healing/new life... it's not helpful to have doubters and scoffers around. Without being disrespectful or rude, simply put them out of the room. Jesus knew the wisdom in this. He was then able to bring new life to the little girl.

PRAYER: Lord, give me the wisdom to know when to apply this to my leadership at church... and in my own life. AMEN.