The vineyard rests dormant now until March. From a distance nothing strikes me as astonishing because the vines are sleeping. The colors of brown don’t strike my eyes and heart as much as the brilliant greens and changes that take place during the growing season. Upon deeper examination, however, it is astonishing the way the worms work their way to the top soil and aerate it providing necessary oxygen to the roots. It is astonishing to see next year’s growth wound up in each little bud we cut a cross section of and place under a microscope to examine our crop. It is astonishing that we prune away almost all of last year’s growth, etc.

Jairus and his wife were astonished at the conclusion of this story: Someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” ⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹ When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. ⁵² Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” ⁵⁵ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.  ⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:49-55

Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well” were spoken to a man who had just heard the words, “your daughter is dead.” Perhaps Jairus was dazed at Jesus’ word, perhaps dumbfounded! We know he did not try to convince Jesus to stop the journey to his home; we know that he invited Jesus in to his home; we know that when they got into the home he allowed Jesus to take control of the entire situation.  Jesus only allowed three disciples in, he kicked the professional mourners out (they were the one’s ridiculing Jesus), Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from death to life, and Jesus commanded the parents to not to tell what had happened.

Astonishment came after Jairus’ dead daughter was raised to life. There is more: astonishment came after Jairus was devastated at the news; astonishment came after he gave his hopeless situation over to the Messiah, whom most were just honoring as Teacher; astonishment came when he witnessed his daughter’s spirit being restored by the Lord of Life.

Our reactions to “Do not be afraid; only believe, and your hopelessness will be swallowed up in the life of the living Lord” are predictable: “Jesus isn’t here today walking our concrete world,” “this situation is impossible,” “astonishment doesn’t happen anymore at least not in my life,” “if I give the slightest credence to Christ’s work, I’ll be disappointed.” Perhaps we are not so quite so negative, but we are still bound by fear and unbelief. Perhaps we are very cynical or guarded.

Jesus works continually to restore our spirit. He calls us to life in the spirit, his spirit. Without spirit there is no amazement or astonishment or trust or faith or hope. This world, our own challenging circumstances and Satan kicks the spirit right out of our hearts and minds and lives, but Christ who overcame the world and Satan reigns with his life. Faith gives hopeless situations over to Christ for healing, restoration and hope.

We are called to look beyond the surface; we are called to not be afraid and to believe.

May God grant us courage to cling to his life which brings hope to hopelessness. May God grant us boldness to speak Christ’s healing into hopeless lives. May his peace guard our hearts, giving us freedom to be free. Blessings IN Christ, Cindy

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