Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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April 9, 2010
    Dear ones.
    At least it's still morning this time.  I need to get into Portland to meet someone about some sign work.  There is a big pile of urgencies after that.  I'm sure I'll     only be scratching the surface before dropping into bed tonight.
    May the Lord bless you and encourage you today...as you seek Him.
    Love, Dad/Ray

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9 April 2010
Passage: Mark 5:21-43
Focus: “Your daughter is dead.”  Mark 5:35.

            It was definitely not good news that the messengers from Jairus’ house presented while Jesus and Jairus were enroute.  They said to Jairus, “Your daughter is dead.”  Period.  End of the line.  She’s gone.  Many would have expected Jesus to say, “Oh well…I guess we’re too late.  Sorry.”  But He didn’t.  In this case He persevered and carried on to the house where the girl lay hopelessly dead.  He encouraged Jairus with some revolutionary good news.  At least it was good advice.  And it’s good advice for us too…whether we are facing death…or even facing life.  He said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

            This is one of three instances in the record of Jesus’ ministry that He revealed His Divine power over death.  He raised the widow’s son at Nain.  He later raised Lazarus.  And here He raises this 12-year-old girl.  It is noteworthy that He raised them all the same way: He spoke to them.  Life was imparted by the Word of Jesus.  To this young girl He tenderly said, “Little girl, get up.”  She responded.  Life was restored.

            In the spiritual sense, no one needs to accept being DEAD—dead “in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1).  That’s the glory of the Gospel.  We need only come to Jesus and be responsive to His Word.  He is the way, the truth, and the what?…the LIFE.  Say it again: LIFE.

 

"WARNING: Exposure to the SON may prevent burning.”