The crowd laughed at [Jesus when he said the girl was just sleeping]. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up!"
—Mark 5:40-41 NLT
Yes, people laugh at the thought of anyone being raised from the dead. The thought is ridiculous. The possibility is beyond the realm of our experience. But in these verses, Jesus took those who had faith, and those whom he wanted to have faith, and involved them privately. This was not an attempt to show off or to prove himself to the masses. This was a real need and a real girl and a real time of sorrow. And Jesus changed it all by his word of command, "Get up!" He will one day say the same to those of us who have died before his return, and we will rise from death as well.
Gracious God and Almighty Father, thank you for conquering death and bringing us life. I truly believe that you raised Jesus from the dead, and I am confident that you will one day raise me if I have died before his return or transform me if I am blessed to be alive at his return. Give me the courage to live boldly for you based upon this conviction. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 5:40-41 NLT
Key Thought
Yes, people laugh at the thought of anyone being raised from the dead. The thought is ridiculous. The possibility is beyond the realm of our experience. But in these verses, Jesus took those who had faith, and those whom he wanted to have faith, and involved them privately. This was not an attempt to show off or to prove himself to the masses. This was a real need and a real girl and a real time of sorrow. And Jesus changed it all by his word of command, "Get up!" He will one day say the same to those of us who have died before his return, and we will rise from death as well.
Today's Prayer
Gracious God and Almighty Father, thank you for conquering death and bringing us life. I truly believe that you raised Jesus from the dead, and I am confident that you will one day raise me if I have died before his return or transform me if I am blessed to be alive at his return. Give me the courage to live boldly for you based upon this conviction. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...