Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Proper 8 reflection

 

Sometimes we might be tempted to worry. Especially when the LORD is delayed in answering our prayers. Will everything fall apart? But what we will see today is that our heavenly Father, who sent Jesus to overcome sin and death by rising from the grave, never runs out of time. In fact, He gives us His promise. That we shall share eternal life with Him. He encourages us to never, ever give up.

Lord, help us to believe without doubting that you can heal every illness. Give us patience, as well. That we might be unmoved while waiting for you to act in your own good time and in accord with Your gracious will.

Hymn: # 19 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Mark 5:21-43

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”  And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”  And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, “Who touched my garments?”  And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”  And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, and fell before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.”

Hymn #18 Beautiful Savior

We know that Jesus can and will do anything. However, it is also important to know that sometimes we might have to wait... Prayers might be answered with “no, not now” or “wait,” despite hope and faith. Yet we know that Jesus heals our hearts. By providing redemption from sin. No matter what happens this side of Heaven. We can be confident that He has saved us and that we will one day be with Him forever.

Do you know what the word “faith” means? It has to do with believing things. Before you see them. The Bible says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for. And believing what we don’t see. Sometimes you might eventually see. But sometimes not!

Jesus talked about faith. Our Gospel lesson has to do with faith. And with touching things. Jesus did a lot of amazing miracles while He was on this earth.

And many of them had to do with healing people. There was one woman in the story today. Who believed that Jesus could heal her. Even though she didn’t know Him yet. She looked for Jesus. And reached out to touch Him. Trusting that He could help her. And it worked! Jesus knew that she had amazing faith. To trust that He could heal her.

Another story. Deals with a man who wanted Jesus to help his daughter. Who was sick. The man was a ruler in the synagogue. He knew that Jesus could help him.

By the time Jesus arrived at this man’s house. His daughter had died. And people were already crying for her. But nothing is too hard for Jesus! Jesus went to this girl and said: “Oh, she’s only sleeping. Get up, little girl!” And she got up. And was alive again! All it took was a word from Jesus.

Yes! These are some amazing stories. They remind us of the power of Jesus Christ. But it’s important to recognize something else as well. Sometimes we must trust in God. And have faith. Even when we don’t understand what He is doing. And even when He doesn’t give us what we want. In our time frame.

We might desire physical healing. And not get it right away. We might have to wait. For an exceptionally long time. Yet God is still in control. Jesus has already given us a greater healing than we can imagine.

Because He has healed our hearts. He cleanses us of sin. And grants new life in Him! We can have faith in His promises. Believing without seeing. Because we know the remarkable things He does. Jesus might not heal in this life. But we are guaranteed a new life with Him one day in the resurrection.

So even though it can be difficult. And even though we don’t always get immediate healing. When we want it. When we must wait. We know that Jesus is still with us. And He will provide for us. Exactly what we need. Day by day!

Let’s say a prayer to thank God for being faithful. And ask Him to help us trust in His power for healing in our lives:

Lord thank you for your love and care. Thank you for your power. You keep your promises. And you can heal anything. Help me to trust in you for all things. Even when it’s hard.

Words - 1,085

Readability –88.2%

Reading Level -3.0

Passive Sentences –4.


-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts The Raising of Jarius' Daughter copyright WELS for personal and congregational use. 

http://ministry-to-children.com/the healing of Jairus' daughter-mark-childrens-sermon/ 

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