Clear the Room

Scriptural Meditation: Mark 5:22-43

Mark 5:38-43
38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

The events of Mark 5 are familiar, as regular churchgoers know the story of the woman with the issue of blood. And if even if we cannot pronounce his name correctly, we are familiar with Jairus and his petition. While Jairus held out hope for his daughter, those around him saw death. What we call “the wake” was in full effect; the chicken had arrived and the flowers were ordered. The passage tells us that Jesus answers Jairus’ request and eventually escorts him back home, where the professional mourners have already arrived. What stuck out to me while reading this passage is how the people laughed when Jesus arrives and pronounces that life still exists in this situation.

Can you believe they laughed?

So often, our circumstances and lives are prime real estate for a miracle, but we are surrounded with people and spirits who attempt to hinder the move of God. Today, Jesus may be on the way to do something great in our lives but there may be too many naysayers in the way. Like Jesus, you might just have to clear the room.

Have you ever shared your hopes and dreams with others? Were you encouraged or did you hear, “it’s too late.” Did they laugh in you face?

Consider clearing the room instead of concluding that your situation is dead. The passage tells us that the only people Jesus allowed in the room were those who believed. You see, when God is about to do a new thing, or wake up something in your life, you have to connect with people who can stand in agreement with you.

Today, clear the room. Say goodbye to the mourners. Surround yourself with people who are willing to read a birth announcement instead of an obituary.

Stay cool and encouraged…

P.S. Please send me an e-mail or post a comment if you've been blessed or if your feathers have been ruffled by the posts. I'm starting to think that my Aunt Val is my only visitor!