David Bahn – Reflections

Mark 5:35-36

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue,“Do not fear, only believe.”

Last night at the Best Practices for Ministry Conference at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix Pastor Jeff Shrank told of his high school wrestling career. He weighed 88 pounds and fought in the 99 pound weight class. According to his own account he would pray that the ref or coach (someone!) would throw in the towel signaling the end of the match. It seems to amount to the equivalent of a TKO in boxing. Indeed there comes a time by conventional wisdom when we simply give up; we throw in the towel.

This is the situation Jesus encountered when the people from the synagogue ruler’s house inform him of his daughter’s death. All’s lost now; give up. Don’t trouble Jesus any further. But Jesus sees beyond the obstacles and harsh realities of life and knows that it is not too late. He has a plan. The daughter will be raised.

It reminds me of the joke about the man hanging by a rope over a deep canyon. He decides to pray and hears someone speak, “I can help you but you’ll have to let go of the rope.” He prays again and the same answer comes. A third time as well the answer is, “Let go of the rope.” Finally he says, “Is there anyone else up there?” We’re not so sure we want to let go of the rope – even when we’re at the end of it.

Prayer isn’t so much a matter of letting go of our ropes, as it is seeking the help of the One whose rope is very long. When we think there’s no more hope, God’s word and power, grace and truth call us. Just as Jesus said to the ruler, “Do not fear, only believe,” so God calls us to believe and follow him forward. In fact following God as he does great things for and through us is no trouble for him; it is his glory and delight. We keep on going in anticipation of seeing his kingdom break into our world – and that is no trouble for God whatsoever.

Mark 5:35-43

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue,“Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.