ONLY BELIEVE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’” Mark 5:36, ESV
Theme: Even in the face of death, Jesus says: “Do not fear, only believe.”
WHAT TO DO? WHAT TO SAY?
In ministry, you quickly learn the basics of care. It takes a bit longer to learn that it’s better to listen than to say anything. It’s better to share the comfort of your presence (and God’s as you bring Him into the crisis), than it is to be lecturing or teaching. You certainly learn that in the face of death, there are some things that can be so hurtful it is best to refrain from them entirely. “God needed this little angel in heaven.” “He’s in a better place.” “Time heals all wounds.”
While it may be true that the loved one is now much better off, totally healed in heaven and in God’s presence, that does not feel comforting. For some, there is no assurance that their loved one had made the decision to trust Jesus. While time does change the face and force of grief, it does not end or completely heal it. As believers, we have a head knowledge that “to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8b, KJV) is a marvelous thing, and we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13b, NIV). If the family is expressing this belief, do reinforce and support their confidence in God’s ultimate healing. But in the immediate presence of death, our broken, human hearts sometimes cannot yet bear to hear or comprehend that comfort.
Instead of theorizing or preaching, better to say, “I’m so sorry.” “I’m praying for you.” “I’m here for you.” Listening and asking if they would like to talk is also helpful. Sharing a kind story of their loved one is a sweet gift.
JESUS BREAKS ALL THE RULES
Precisely because of the above ministry principles, the story we find in Mark 5 intrigues me. Jesus is asked by Jarius to hurry to his home and heal his daughter and Jesus agrees to come (Mark 5:22-24). In the middle of this life-or-death crisis, Jesus is stopped and takes time to deal with the woman who has touched the hem of His robe, believing for a miracle (Mark 5:25-34).
At the exact same instant that Jesus blesses the woman and sends her on her way, healed and in peace, a servant comes to tell Jairus that his daughter has died. The servant further suggests that there is no point in asking Jesus to come and heal her or inconvenience Him any further at all. But Jesus overhears the servant, and He turns to Jairus with strong words: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:35-36).
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S POWER
When you are walking with Jesus, there is no fear of death. There is dread and a desire to avoid it, but not fear. Jesus might raise your loved one up off their sick bed right now, when He “comes to your house.” Or, as we confidently believe, He will raise up those who have trusted in Him eternally, to be with Him forever, healthy and whole. The way to approach those first moments of grief is with belief: remembering, even in the shock and the pain, no matter what, God is in control. He is good. He loves your loved one. He loves you!
We may not understand. We will be sad, angry, confused, and stricken. But belief allows the very worst thing we can imagine to become bearable, as we walk with Jesus. Prepare in advance that belief will be your response, when you, too, face the unthinkable. And remember that if this seems an impossible response, pray as the father in the book of Mark: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24b, ESV)
Make It Personal: There are many I know, still reeling from loss and grief. Unlike for Jairus, Jesus did not show up and heal in the moment. There are hurts so deep and still questions of "why.” Yet I sense an awareness of God’s presence and comfort. In other situations, the grief is crippling. All I can do is help care for and carry some of the pain. Who do you know that needs your unshakable belief that God is good and that He loves them? Be present. Be in prayer. Be available to bolster their hearts with your unspoken belief!
Pray: Lord God, Thank You for Jesus. Thank You that You say to us: “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Help me to remember, in my time of fear and grief. Help me to share Your Spirit and Comforter with others that need You desperately right now. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Revelation 1:12-19; Mark 5:21-43, 9:20-24
Weekly Memory Verse:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. Psalm 23:4, ESV