Not dead but asleep

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Mar 5:37  And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

Mar 5:38  They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

Mar 5:39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” Mark 5 :36-39

Is your situation dead and buried? Are you forgotten in the annals of history? The disciples thought so of Jairus as reports came that his daughter lie dead of sickness. It’s good that he cries to Jesus and not to the not condescending disciples.

We can learn some few things from this account.

-          What is dead to you is not so to Jesus. The disciples had given up on the man Jairius and his situation and even told him not to bother the master again. Its amazing how the disciples did not have any room for positivity in this situation. Is it possible that we follow Christ but we are full of negativity and unbelief? From the disciples’ attitude, it seems so.

          It is astonishing how the disciples dismissed the man Jairus …... Do not bother the master. Jesus intervenes and reassures the man. don’t be afraid …... yes, that word that is found at least 365 times in the bible (at least one for each day of the year.)

-          Jesus speaks to the dead situation. “Do not be afraid, just believe.” “The child is not dead but asleep.”

It’s an enormous statement! How can Jairus be still and refuse to be afraid of the death that had just visited his home?

-          Jesus is still in the business of waking people from their sleep.

The question is what is it that has made you asleep? A physical infirmity or deadness of spirit? Are you just destitute and hungry for hope and inspiration? He is here to wake you up from asleep.  May he wake you from sleep today.