Daily Devotions
Devotions – Thursday, June 27, 2024
Bible Texts
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him. (Mark 5:21-24)
Reflect
As you read the Gospel of Mark, you may notice how much Mark says, “immediately”, Mark’s depiction of Jesus, has Jesus going from place to place immediately. Another unique thing about the Gospel of Mark is how Jesus is frequently going across places or bodies of water. I like this image of Jesus responding to us and not just responding slowly, but quickly, even if that means crossing over barriers.
The verses following the reading above have Jesus crossing the barrier of uncurbable conditions and death. Jesus heals a woman who has been hemorrhaging blood, just by his presence and her boldness/desperation to reach out and touch his cloak to be healed. Jesus also goes to a family’s house where their daughter is dead.
We are really good at setting up barriers to isolate ourselves to think that we are too far from Jesus, thus not worthy of God’s love. Yet Jesus comes to us, meets us where we are, and provides for us, no matter where we may find ourselves.
Pray
Almighty God, thank you for meeting us where we are and for reminding us through Jesus that we can never be too far from your love and that no barrier can prevent you from coming to us. Help us to share your love with our neighbors and remind them of your great love. Amen.
Devotions by Pastor Tim J