This is Sam. Apparently this is a comfortable way to sleep.
I love Luke 8. This is the chapter where Jesus is making his way through a tight crowd in order to go heal Jairus’s daughter, and on his way, he senses that healing power went out from him when someone touched his clothes. This event makes him “too late” getting to Jairus’s house and someone comes to them, saying nevermind, Jairus, your daughter is already dead. But Jesus had a miracle in store for Jairus and his family.
I wonder how often I let what I think I know, or what I think others know, jeopardize my opportunities for miracles? Am I ever among those who would laugh the Savior to scorn because he said something that didn’t fit what I thought I knew?
Luke 8:50-56
50 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
I remember one time in 5th grade, when a girl in my class, who was developmentally handicapped, presented a report on hummingbirds. When she said that the smallest hummingbird was the size of a bee, the class laughed her to scorn. They made her cry. I didn’t laugh at her, but I didn’t know if I believed her, and I didn’t speak up for her. That day our homeroom teacher gave everyone homework to write two pages about why the way we had treated this girl was wrong. I’m so thankful for that teacher. Although I didn’t participate in the mockery, I didn’t stand up for this girl, either. It was good for me to write that paper and put myself in her shoes for a little while. Looking back, I realize that was a formative event in my life. That was when I promised myself that I would always speak up when I saw someone else being mistreated. I still remember the girl’s name and have wondered how her life worked out. I hope she overcame the effects of cruel, unkind, and thoughtless children.
