SAVING JAIRUS'S DAUGHTER (or, PEOPLE TIME vs. GOD'S CLOCK) -- Devotional for June 21, from "Good Seeds"

A messenger came from Jairus’s house and said, “Your daughter has died. Do not trouble the Teacher any more. But Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe, and she shall be made well.” Coming to the house they found everyone lamenting. Jesus said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died but is asleep. Then they laughed at Him, for they all knew that indeed she had died. (Luke 8:49-53)

Do you know the true story of “Saving Private Ryan”? Four brothers were serving in the U.S. military during World War II. One was killed, and then another. When the third died in battle, it was decided that the last remaining son, Private Ryan, who was somewhere out on the front lines, had better be found and brought home to his grieving mother before she became totally childless – and died of a broken heart. Any mother worth her title would say all of her children are special and of ultimate value, no matter how many or few, but to have just one – or just one left – and then to contemplate losing that one – well, it’s a thought most unbearable! That was the case of Jairus, the Jewish synagogue official in the days when Jesus walked the earth. He had one daughter, and she was dying. In desperation he went to look for Jesus, and found Him in another city, ministering to the multitudes. He begged Jesus to come heal his daughter – and quickly, before it was too late. Jesus made like He would go, but was waylaid by the press of the crowd and a particular need right at his fingertips (actually, it was at “the hem of His garment” (43-48). It is as if Jesus said, “Okay, I’ll come, but just a minute.” Wait, when we need Jesus we don’t want to hear Him say that – not when time is of the essence! And sure enough, the next interruption was that of a messenger bearing sad tidings: Jarius’s daughter didn’t make it. No need to hurry now, or bother the Teacher any longer. A life was gone. All hope was lost. Reminds us of the case of Lazarus: Jesus heard that His very dear friend was dying. Nevertheless, He didn’t go right away. And during the delay, Lazarus died. Jesus said to his sisters the same thing He told this girl’s parents: “He (she) is not dead, but only sleeps.” Their response: mocking, sarcastic laughter. The confusion came from the fact that the word sleep was commonly used in those days as a euphemism for death. But an even greater confusion arises over our concept of time, and God’s. Did Jesus hurry? No. Was He late? Yes. Wait…No, I guess not! What’s the lesson? Go ahead and use your calendar, and look at your watch, if you have to. “People time” is necessary to keep us on track and faithful in our commitments. But don’t hold your human timepieces – and expectations – up to God. He runs on a totally different schedule. And “God’s clock” is always right.