Mark 5:41-43
Jesus took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Can you imagine being present in that room when Jesus actually brings this girl back to life? I’m sure we would all be “utterly astounded“! We all go through various “deaths” as we take our spiritual journeys. It seems the pain and sorrows we encounter are necessary so that we let go of our ego-centered selves…and enter into a bigger story…God’s story for our lives. It seems to be the only way our egos will willingly let go. Otherwise, our lives become all about gratifying the insatiable desires of this ego…or as the famous monk Thomas Merton would have called it, our “false selves.” Jesus showed us that His concern is for the healing and wholeness of the person. Notice how He wants the miracle to remain a total secret! It is not about Him…but about the wholeness of the girl. He has that same concern for you! If you need new life…do not fear. Turn to Jesus and hear His voice say, “Arise!”

Suggested song of the day—“Come to Jesus” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!