MAY 19, 2014
Interruptions
Read: Mark 5:21-34
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart
to all generations. —Psalm 33:11
My
sister and I were looking forward to our holiday in Taiwan. We had purchased
our plane tickets and booked our hotel rooms. But 2 weeks before the trip, my
sister learned she had to stay at home in Singapore to handle an emergency. We
were disappointed that our plans were interrupted.
Jesus’
disciples were accompanying Him on an urgent mission when their trip was
interrupted (Mark 5:21-42). The daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue,
was dying. Time was of the essence, and Jesus was on His way to their home.
Then, suddenly, Jesus stopped and said, “Who touched My clothes?” (v.30).
The
disciples seemed irritated by this and said, “You see the multitude thronging
You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” (v.31). But Jesus saw it as an opportunity
to minister to a suffering woman. Her illness had made her ceremonially unclean
and unable to participate in community life for 12 years! (see Lev. 15:25-27).
While
Jesus was talking to this woman, Jairus’ daughter died. It was too late—or so
it seemed. But the delay allowed Jairus to experience an even deeper knowledge
of Jesus and His power—even power over death!
Sometimes
our disappointment can be God’s appointment.
Disappointment—His
appointment
No
good thing will He withhold;
From
denials oft we gather
Treasures
of His love untold. —Young
Look
for God’s purpose in your next interruption.
Insight
Jairus,
as a “[ruler] of the synagogue” (Mark 5:22), was a lay leader responsible for
organizing and supervising the affairs of the local synagogue. This included
the conduct and teaching of the worship services.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
