Jesus didn’t have a “witch-doctor” kind of personality. You know, I don’t think that He even wanted to be known as a miracle worker. He didn’t want to be seen as THE PERSON that could do supernatural things. Here is what I believe Jesus wanted us to know: That His wisdom, indeed, the wisdom of God and a relationship with God could heal our broken spiritual lives….both today and for eternity.
Mark 5:41-43 (TNIV)
41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Jesus gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this because the miracle of raising this girl to life was about faith….not a spectacle to be observed like a witch doctor or something. His mission was to preach the message of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven in which all are invited to a relationship with their maker, with God, indeed with Jesus. And in this relationship, true healing, true inner peace, can be found. Ultimately, an eternal peace can be found at the feet of Jesus.
Additionally, I would note that when we pray, there is much more than a request going on. There is responsibility and work to be done. Look at verse 43, “and told them to give her something to eat.”……..when we pray in faith, God wants US to have faith in Him and I believe that He also wants us to be a part of the prayer (conversation).
People come to me often for financial assistance from the church. We want to help people as much as is possible while being good stewards of the funds that have been entrusted to our care. I have seen a couple of different types of people: Some people that have hit a snag and need some help….they are also doing everything they can to alleviate their own tough situation by applying God’s wisdom to their lives: being industrious and going out looking for a job, being honest and forthright in what they do, simply doing whatever must be done. Then there are those that just continue in their situation and simply want money to make it better, which only makes it better temporarily.
I find that God blesses industriousness. When we are willing to be a part of the solution, which means that OFTEN (actually, maybe I should use the word, ALWAYS) we have to step outside our comfort zone in order to be a part of the solution. I also find that when we step outside that comfort zone….that God does His best work!
Look at Jairus, the Synagogue leader….he definitely stepped outside his comfort zone as a Jewish leader in seeking out Jesus in a huge crowd of people to heal his child. Upon learning that she has died, he still had faith and Jesus did what….he did his best work. BUT…..as I have heard it said, “Every miracle generates new responsibilities. God creates work for us whenever prayers are answered, whenever people are healed. We must follow through on the miracles God has done.”
These are lesson’s that is important to learn: God’s wisdom and a relationship with Him, indeed with Jesus, can heal our broken spiritual lives….both today and for eternity not just some magic spiritual STUFF. And…..He wants us to step out in faith, meaning that he wants us step outside our comfort zone and to be a part of the solution, and to be responsible….. before, during and after….. we come to Him in prayer.