Listen

They laughed at him, but he threw them all out. Then, taking the child’s parents and his disciples with him, he went to the room where the child was. Taking her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Young woman, get up.” Suddenly the young woman got up and began to walk around. She was 12 years old. They were shocked! He gave them strict orders that no one should know what had happened. Then he told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5:40-43

Think

For many, the COVID quarantine we lived through was difficult because of the isolation. Suddenly we were distanced from others and had to figure out ways to connect with each other from a distance.

I’ve always been fascinated by today’s Bible story. Jesus could surely have healed the young woman by speaking when Jairus first approached him. Yet, he walks back home with Jairus. Even after his delay means that he didn’t arrive before her death, Jesus could still have healed her in that moment. Yet, he insisted on going to her, and then we are told that he took her hand.

As we live out our faith it is often easier – more convenient or comfortable – to love and care for others from a distance. However, this story reminds me of the power of proximity. There is something about being close to someone. There is an almost unexplainable power in being near others that brings restoration and hope.

To whom might you “be near” today? How might your words and presence bring hope and healing to others with whom you interact today?

Dale Tadlock

Pray

Jesus, as you reached out to touch the hand of Jairus’ daughter, help me to reach out to those around me who need a hopeful and healing touch today. Through a hug or my simple presence make your presence known through me. Amen.

Go

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Martin Luther King Jr.