As we read in Mark today a leader of a synagogue named Jairus sought Jesus’ help in curing his ailing daughter. Jesus readily agreed and was not deterred when the girl was reported to have died. As they arrived at Jairus’s house a crowd stood about literally wailing. But, “When [Jesus] had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him” (Mark 5:39-40a).
They laughed at Jesus? Really? To go from sincere grief to derisive laughter in an instant seems very strange, but when you are dealing with deep and powerful emotions I suppose anything is possible. But what this account really helps us to see is the depth of faith Jairus has in Jesus. Jairus trusted. The crowd laughed, doubting to the point of derision. Of course the little girl was healed and restored to her family. And though Mark doesn’t say we can imagine that the laughter of the crowd soon became a more joyous type.
There are a lot of ways for us to respond to God’s presence in our lives. We can smirk at the “absurdities” that faith often claims, or we can smile with the joy that comes in trusting God’s grace and mercy, even in the most difficult of times. The crowd at Jairus’s house smirked at first, but in the end joy abounded. Given the choice, I’d prefer a smile over a smirk.
Prayer: Gracious God, give us eyes of faith that we may see your work and respond with joy and praise. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment