ALL THE PEOPLE LAUGHED AT JESUS! When
they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion,
with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them,
“Why all this commotion and wailing. The child is not dead but
asleep.” But they laughed at him. – Mark 5:38-40
Sarah did it (Genesis 18:13-15). The people at the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, did it (Mark 5:40). Jesus’ enemies did it (Matthew 27:32-44).
Do I do it? Do I laugh at God? My first thought would probably be,
absolutely not! How could I be so disrespectful! How could I be so
arrogant! How could I stand toe to toe with God and laugh in his face!
Although
I may try to convince myself I would never do anything so foolish, what
does my response to Jesus and his word actually reveal? When I refuse
to trust his promises, what am I doing? When I reject his direction
for my life, what am I doing? When I disregard his authority over me,
what am I doing? I am laughing at God.
In
humility I need to acknowledge my pride and my rebellion. I also need
to open my eyes to what Jesus is saying and doing in my life. This is
what the people missed on the day Jesus entered Jairus’ home. They
laughed at his claim the little girl was only sleeping. They could
only see Jesus as a misguided well-wisher. In reality, he showed he
was much more. In an incredible act of compassion, Jesus called the
girl from the sleep of death and brought her back to life. Jesus
displayed his power as God and his power over life and death, and this
was no laughing matter.
It
is a lesson I need to take to heart. Before I conclude anything Jesus
says is ridiculous or laughable, I need to listen to what he has said,
and pay attention to what he has done.
Jesus’
ministry is all about his work to rescue me. He lived as my substitute
because by myself I could never be without spot, stain, or sin. He
went to the cross because I could not release myself from the curse of
God’s just punishment. He rose from the grave because I could never
free myself from Satan’s deathly grip. He reconciled me to his Father
because I could never stop being hostile to him. Everything Jesus did
was for me, and it was established as valid and believable because of
his faithfulness and his love
It
is this faithful love that leads me to believe every word he speaks,
and assures me my confidence is never misplaced. It is this faithful
love that provides me with joy in every difficult time, and moves me to
thank, praise, serve and obey him. It is finally this faithful love
that gives me every reason to rejoice in Jesus as my God and Savior,
and this is no laughing matter.
Prayer:
O blessed Jesus, give me the strength of faith I need to trust everything you say. Give me the confidence I need to follow your loving direction. Give me the understanding I need to accept your faithful control over all things. Amen. ...................................................................................................
Message produced by
Bishop Osagiede Godwin Osabuohien.
The Great Commission Ministries International, Inc. Ivory Coast Charter |