But Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” Mark 5:36 (NKJV)
Thoughts of her dark curly hair and deep brown eyes laughing with the fullness of life drove him through the crowd, picking up his fear and grief like an awkward bundle too heavy to carry.
“If I can just reach him…”
Life in the balance – on the edge of here and there… Peering into an eternal sleep.
Jairus reached the edge of the city and saw the crowd. Once again, he pushed on not caring how he looked or sounded, whom he swiped with his reaching arms, who heard his cries… “TEACHER…” He fell and grabbed Jesus garment to gain attention and steady himself all at once… “Jesus…”
gasping
“Please…”
cries
“My daughter…”
punched in the heart by desperation
“is dying…”
Jairus was lifted to his feet more by Jesus's eyes than His arms… “Lead the way…” A peaceful voice spoke into the atmosphere.
Suddenly, there was a commotion. A woman, bleeding… sick… She stopped the movement forward. What was happening?
Jairus was desperate – Jesus was interrupted. ‘He’s healing her? We don’t have time for her! My daughter… We must keep moving…' Jairus tried to keep his thoughts from being heard when, from behind, an arm grabbed his shoulder turning him around. As he saw the tear stained face, he knew…
“Don’t bother the teacher anymore Jairus, your daughter… she’s gone…” Peace fled, hope was dashed on the road.
Jesus spoke… “Don’t be afraid, only believe…” As they arrived at the house, Jairus, unsure of how he got there, was met with the horrific sound of wailing.
It was confirmed… Death had visited while he desperately ran for the last hope his cherished daughter had.
As he crumbled through the house, loss taking over his senses… Jesus stepped past him into his daughter's room and emptied the space of all but the faithful.
Then Jesus took his daughters's hand and began to speak. But Jairus was too distracted to listen by an unexpected, impossible movement: the fluttering of eyelashes… Then he heard breathing: air in and air out.
His daughter, dead… now alive…
Impossible but possible.
Unbelievable but believable.
Don’t be afraid… Only believe.
