Mark 5:36 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” (KJV)

Jairus has just heard that his beloved daughter has succumbed. Jesus responds with a “fear not.” But, Jesus also adds a postscript, “only believe.” Only “believe” what?

The period has been placed at the end of a life. Hope has evaporated. The reason Jairus sought Jesus no longer exists. A twelve year old is now lifeless and cold, leaving her parents to forever grieve. What is there to believe? Healing is no longer a possibility. Dreams of a little girl will now never come true. Hopes of her parents will never be recognized. Love has no recipient. Laughter is silenced. Life is over. At least from a human perspective.

So, BELIEVE WHAT?? This is the question for every grieving heart. The fear is how on earth do I go on when all is LOST!!!! The earth still turns, but you want off! The reason for getting up in the morning lies silenced forever and nothing will bring them back….

As I write this, tears sting, the familiar lump rises in my throat, I can’t breathe, and I beg Jesus to come quickly or take me home………………I don’t care which, I am just ready.

Or am I? What about those who remain? Are they not in need of my love, my laughter, my assistance, my nurturing, my faithful witness of my God is enough? What will I miss if I cop out and check out on life?

The fear is this–my life will never be the same. This is accurate. Life after today will not be the same as it is today. For anyone.

Jesus is asking Jairus to believe that life will go on; to believe that He can make all things new; to believe there is life after death; to believe He is in control; to believe even death can be for our good and His glory. Jesus is asking the same of us today.

For Jairus, Jesus restored his daughter to life proving He is the Master over life and death. ( “Ever notice that every time Jesus shows up to a funeral it is OVER? HA!” quote by David Platt) The miracle illustrated this: What we see with our physical eyes is not necessarily all there is to see. Can we see with the spiritual eyes of Jesus? Can we fear not, and only believe He will do something unexpected and amazing. If we can, He will come to where we are and He will restore life. No, it will not be the same. Jairus daughter’s life was never the same. Jairus and his wife’s life were never the same. The disciples were never the same. The community was never the same.

All is never lost when it belongs to Jesus. Mark 9:23 reminds us “If you can believe,[a] all things are possible to him who believes.”

Today, you may receive news of a loss. Hear the sweet words Jesus spoke to Jairus,
“Fear not, only believe.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xtnzSFtiUE

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson