Reaching Down

Read Deuteronomy 10

Read Luke 8

In the last section of Luke 8 today we see Jairus, concerned for his very ill daughter, and a woman with a bleeding disorder. Both of these individuals are running out of options - fast!

They are like the hero in an action movie who inevitably ends up hanging off a cliff or something very high. They are dangling dangerously. To fall would be certain death. But they do not have the strength or ability to pull themselves up. It is a dramatic moment in the film, the climax and high point, where tension and conflict are at the pinnacle. The only hope for the hero is for someone to reach down and pull them up.

And not just anyone. They need someone who has their feet safely planted, someone who has a long arm and strong hand, someone at the right place at the right time.

Jairus, whose daughter was dying, and even dead, found that someone to pull him back to hope and faith. The woman who had spent all her money on doctors and was still sick, a social outcast because of her bleeding disorder, well, she found that someone too. That someone is Jesus.

Jesus in his mercy and grace is pleased to help them. His feet are safely planted - that is, he will not fall into sin. He has a long arm and a strong hand, in fact he came down from heaven to extend his reach to poor miserable sinners like us. Jesus is the right person at the right time, strong to save.

He heals the woman. He heals Jairus's daughter. And their lives are forever changed!

We too often find ourselves dangling off a cliff - we are worried, fearful, trapped in sin, desperate for help, and our lives are filled with all kinds of pains, problems, and panic.

But Jesus reaches down with his forgiveness and with his Spirit to strengthen us and he pulls us up to safety. Sins forgiven, hearts encouraged, lives forever changed, we can rejoice with Jairus and the woman healed of her illness. Oh, and let's throw the demon possessed man in there too...We rejoice with all of them. Thanks be to our risen and ascended Lord, Jesus Christ, for he came to rescue and save us through his cross. Amen!

Pray:

Pray from your hearts today concerning all your worries, fears, sins, and problems. Ask Jesus to come to your aid. Then know that he is pleased to reach down and save!

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!