September 27th, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

True Mercy's Wideness

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Opening Prayer

Creator God, Maker of the galaxies and the human heart, Your care covers heaven and earth. I bow in worship before You.

Read Luke 8:40-56

[40] Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. [41] Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house [42] because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. [43] And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. [44] She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. [45] “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” [46] But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” [47] Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. [48] Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” [49] While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” [50] Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” [51] When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. [52] Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” [53] They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. [54] But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” [55] Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. [56] Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“In Jesus, we discover a Lord who not only helps but heals; who is not only sensitive to our cares, but enlists us in caring enough to serve” (Lloyd John Ogilvie).

Think Further

One day in 2010, Angus Buchan, South Africa’s Billy Graham, spoke to more than 90,000 men of all races and walks of life. They were drawn to the gathering because of the depth of need in South Africa for forgiveness, healing, justice and hope. Similar scenes unfold on Luke’s wide canvas, depicting the growing national impact and political ramifications of Jesus’ offer of salvation. Immediately as Jesus checked in from trans-Galilee he was cheered by waiting crowds. He was hard pressed to keep to his itinerary (40, 42b, 45b). Luke narrates an event that makes transparent a whole range of emotions, expressed by characters from diametrically opposite stations of Galilean life—a community pastor, Peter the fisherman, an outcast, a family messenger, mourners, a mother and a little girl. Make time now to put yourself into the robes and mindsets of each character Jesus meets. Vicariously enter each one’s words or thoughts. Name their emotions. Feel the different kinds of rapport that Jesus has with each one.

Twelve years of memories dancing through a father and mother’s bitter grief, and twelve years of cul-de-sacs in a woman’s death-defying struggle to live, burst into public expression as two people from opposite castes in rural Galilee throw themselves at Jesus’ feet (41,47). Jairus, whose name means “he will give light,” receives more than he can comprehend (56). A woman whose medical condition has stolen her dignity, family, marriage eligibility, and any future security, is released from her humiliating isolation, without having to comply with any further Levitical obligations (48; Lev. 15:19-30). Jesus’ fatherly love expressed in familial tenderness (48), spiritual mentorship (50), practical concern (55) and boundary-setting sternness (56; see also v. 52) mirrors the fatherhood of Israel’s God.

Apply

Recall words and melodies that make up your heart’s musical love language. Then, use them to worship God now. Sing or pray your worship.

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, I’m challenged and humbled by Your ministry. May Your Spirit be released in me so that I can serve others in a way that honors You.

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