“When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “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.” So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.” (Mark 5:21 – 24)
The series on Jesus that I watched earlier in the year depicted this series of healing. It was fascinating to watch, knowing what was going to come – but also not being sure how they would handle all the intricacies. I liked how they balanced the story; of course I am slightly biased since I have loved all of the seasons and episodes thus far.
However, when I saw it was the passage for today, I felt some trepidation about writing on it – since healing is a tender topic for me. You see, I have not experienced any healing from all of the diagnoses I have. And things are only getting worse. And since there is strong potential that one of the diagnosis may be serious, fatal, it is hard to approach the topic with aplomb.
“Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” (Verses 25 – 28)
So powerful a belief . . . . that simply touching the cloak that Jesus wore would heal her. As if the fibers made from human efforts would be imbued with Healing Divinity.
“Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” He looked all around to see who had done it.” (Verses 29 – 32)
If one looked around . . . in any place and at any time . . . one could see need on a wide & long spectrum. Next time, beloved reader, you are in a group of people look around and try to discern who might be in need. In need of healing, or any other type of help. I am guessing if you saw me, beloved reader, you would not be able to tell that my health is poor. That might even be the reason, well, that thinking about healing is hard for me. I feel the need, but objectively speaking . . . there is not much visual evidence. But, let us move on.
“But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Verses 33 – 34)
So powerful a faith . . . . that healing comes with nothing more than a touch.
In that same episode, I think, one of Jesus’ disciples asks why healing has not happened to him; that is, why Jesus has not healed him. Jesus’ answer, as I imagine it, is that this disciple is a testimony to the power of the Divine sustaining a person through difficulty and challenge. That this disciple’s wholeness has never been in question, and his faith rock solid. I think I am probably closer to that persona than the one of the woman who was healed. But again, let us move on.
“While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he 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. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was.” (Verses 35 – 40)
So powerful a conviction . . . . that near death, and death . . . can be reversed.
“He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.” (Verses 41 – 43)
What I have counted on, beloved reader, over the years as I have become more ill . . . . that even if I can do and endure less, there is nothing that the Divine cannot do through me. My health and ability has nothing to do with what the Lord God can accomplish through me. And so I continue on each do, completing the work the Divine has called me to. So shall it ever be as long as I have life. Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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