Only Believe
- Mark 5:36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe”.Many situations may be dead but, God will move the heavenlies for your sake in order to change your life.It is not the eloquence of the speaker but, God’s anointing that changes your life. It is great to hear good talks and read good books but, it is the Word of God that will change your life.Mark 5:21-43 records two miracles performed by Jesus. Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue came to Jesus imploring Him to heal his daughter who lay at the point of death. As He set out, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, came to Jesus looking for a miracle. Flow of blood for a woman meant she was unclean according to the law and she had to keep a lot of rituals. But, she had the courage to come and touch Jesus. Trembling, she tells the whole truth – the change that came over her body as she touched Jesus. While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, some came from Jairus’s house to inform that his daughter was dead. Jesus ignores the message and tells Jairus, “do not be afraid, only believe”. Jesus proceeds to his house and raises his twelve year old daughter from the dead.Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, in status close to a Pharisee- and he came and fell at the feet of Jesus (Mark 5:22). The woman with the bleeding has suffered many things at the hands of many doctors and she spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse. Both, Jairus and the woman approach Jesus with humility and faith – Jairus for his daughter and the woman for herself. Both are persons in hopeless situations. No sooner they encounter Jesus, things began to happen.People who are spiritually dead will come to life. Don’t be unrealistic in life. If there is a storm, Jesus is well able to be there. We need to change our thinking:“God, I believe – it may take time and God, if it’s Your will, I will wait”.The book of Mark is not set out chronologically, but in sections like miracles, parables, etc. preceding and encouragement to change. Mark narrates a set of events i.e. miracles to encourage the people not to be afraid but, to believe in Jesus.The first century Christians were going through persecutions, Mark encourages them to put their trust in Jesus. Prophets would also rebuke the people for their lack of faith, encourage them for faith, commend them when they believed and would finally caution them on abandoning their faith.
Everyone goes through hard times and challenges and we need the Saviour. Jesus said we will have troubles but, He has overcome the world. He is sovereign over all situations and circumstances. Jesusalways is in control. So, do not be afraid, only believe in Him.
This message was preached by Wellington Gomes on 15th January 2017