December 30, 2024
Read Mark 5: 21-43
The first step is to introduce Light. In Gen. 1:1-3, God demonstrated a principle. He began the process of creation by introducing light, thereby establishing mastery and dominion over darkness. Light is essential whenever there is trouble.
Light is wisdom as well in the context of our discussion today. Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “...a man’s wisdom makes his face shine”.
Mark 5:22-23 tells a story of Jairus, who realized he had a problem he couldn’t deal with. His daughter was dying. So what did he do? He went to look for help. That is wisdom. When the light within us cannot overshadow the darkness attacking us, we must look for light in form of further help.
2 Kings 4:1 was an account of a prophet that died and left his wife and two sons in debt. His wife cried out to Elisha for help, recognizing she could not handle the situation alone. Perhaps this is something the prophet himself should have done – sought help when trouble was looming.
Even Jesus prayed when the cross was looming. He sought to negotiate with God, the Father. We must learn to seek help and not stay in trouble because of pride. It is not wise to be in trouble and still refuse to call for help.
The most important step when you need help is to turn to God in prayer. Jairus immediately sought out Jesus. And when we encounter Jesus, the son of God, we are meant to engage him. We don’t just go into the place of prayer to feel good, No! We must engage.
One of the ways to engage is through prayer. In Mark 5:22-23, Jairus engaged Jesus and prayed for help. Prayer is communication between man and God, but this scripture gives us another dimension to this definition. Here, prayer is pleading earnestly with God for divine intervention. There must be some urgency and fervency. We can see the boldness in Jairus’ prayer here – he was telling God what to do, saying ‘come and lay your hands on her’.
Affliction is bold, but we must be bolder in the place of prayer. When we go to God in prayer, we must go with our persuasion which must be backed up by the word of God. The woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, believing that she will be healed without Him needing to lay hands on her; that was her conviction, and it was fulfilled.
This is how we must approach our prayer life – with boldness and persuasion based on God’s word. May God help us in Jesus' name.
Song
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.- E.A Hoffman
Prayer - Heavenly Father, please help us to introduce light into any situation that threatens our wellbeing in the mighty name of Jesus. May we know exactly when to seek help, and may we remember that the best place to go for help is Your holy presence, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.