31 January 2017 - for the joy set before

 [ Today's Readings ]

She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak.

This woman keeps her eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of her faith.

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

Many people assumed that Jesus was on his way somewhere, too busy for them, preoccupied with his journey to the daughter of Jairus. They are afraid to interfere with his grand plans by interjecting with their own needs and desires.

At first, it does seem that the woman has delayed Jesus so much that the daughter of Jairus is lost. But to those with eyes of faith she is not lost.

The child is not dead but asleep."
And they ridiculed him.

Many harden their hearts to the idea that Jesus can bring the dead to life. And certainly none of us fully understand it. But understanding is not a prerequisite. What is needed faith enough to invite Jesus in and to let him stay even with all seems lost, when we cannot imagine how a good outcome could be possible any longer.

He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum,"
which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"
The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.

Jesus endures opposition from sinners who doubt him. He endures even the ultimate opposition of the cross. He does this for the joy set before him. That joy is now set before now. We are encouraged to see it and to endure for it. Jesus himself gives us the grace of his own obedience to struggle against sin so that we too can receive the joy set before us.

And to him my soul shall live;
my descendants shall serve him.