"We shall individually be held responsible for doing one jot less than we have ability to do...But when we give ourselves wholly to God, and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to cooperate with One who knows no failure." ~Messages to Young People, p. 309

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Blogging Through The Gospels: Mark 5

Mark 5 focuses on two main stories: the healing of two demon-possessed men, and the healing of a girl and a woman. Today I think I'm going to focus my attention on the healing of the girl and the woman. Let's SOAP!

Scripture:

""Daughter," He said her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction."..."Don't be afraid. Only believe."" ~Mark 5:34, 36

Observation:

I thought it was interesting the parallels between the woman and the girl. The woman had been suffering, bleeding, and visiting doctors in vain for twelve years. Jarius' daughter was twelve years old--who knows, she may have been suffering in some way for twelve years that finally lead to her death. I think it's interesting that after Jesus has commenced walking to Jarius' home, the woman touches him. There were crowds all around him, and yet after the healing occurred, Jesus stops and asks, "Who touched me?" He knew that healing power had gone out from him. The healed woman bravely comes to Jesus, and tells everything. That's when Jesus says the first part of today's scripture.

About this time, some of Jarius' servants come to him and say that his daughter was already dead--so don't bother Jesus. I love what Jesus says next--see the last part of today's scripture for his answer. Jesus then promptly goes to Jarius' home with three of his disciples, clears all the noise makers out, and brings the girl back to life! I'm sure the highest degree of wonder, amazement, and thankfulness must have been written all over Jarius' and his wife's faces!

Application:

These people--Jarius and the woman--came to Jesus for healing. And that is wonderful! But it seems to me as I read the stories that these people came to Jesus as a last resort. Some far-fetched idea that they would try since everything else didn't.

We need to come to Jesus, but don't make him your last resort. Make him your first option, the first person to talk to when anything goes wrong, or you need advice. Make Jesus first, and save yourselves from unnecessary worry and trouble! And when you do, he will give you true rest and real answers. He will help you--indeed, stand by your side--as you face life's challenges.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to remember you and come to you first when I have any problems. Thank you for being the caring God you are. Amen.

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P.S.--To learn more about this blogging-through-the-gospels program, or if YOU would like to join yourself (you're more than welcome-jump right in!!) go to: http://www.momstoolbox.com/
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