JUST
“He pleaded earnestly with Him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.’” (Mark 5:21)
"Overhearing what they had said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36 (NIV)
Jesus was in a large crowd when a leader of the synagogue came to Him and asked for healing for his daughter. In answer, Jesus started to the man’s house, but He was interrupted by a woman of great faith who expected to be healed of a serious condition if she could JUST touch His garment. She touched His garment, and she was healed. She JUST did what she believed would result in her healing, and it did. It certainly wasn’t easy. She had to fight through the crowd and get close enough to Jeus to touch His garment, a daunting task even for a healthy woman. And, according to the rules, she was not supposed to be in the crowd because of her physical condition. Well, she JUST did it, and she was healed. I haven’t found the word “JUST” used in any translation of this portion of Mark, but to me it is implied and is often used in any telling of her experience.
By the time this had transpired, people came from Jairus’s house and announced that his daughter had died. Jesus’ response was to ignore them and strengthen Jairus’ heart: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” I believe that Jesus used these particular words because of the faith shown by the woman who had just been healed. She had JUST believed that healing would occur and it did. Well, Jairus JUST believed, and Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. To me, that is huge believing, much more than “JUST” believing. I’m not sure that I would have been able to “JUST” believe in this circumstance.
I am often convicted by the word “JUST.” “JUST” sometimes is quite difficult for me when I have a problem, and I am told to “JUST” believe, and God will take care of it. “JUST” sounds so easy, and if I can’t “JUST” believe, then I must not have much faith. That’s when I recall Mark 9:24 (NIV) where another father said to Jesus, “…I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” I love that man because He spoke my heart. Sometimes it is hard for me to “JUST” believe. I can, however, tell my Lord, “I believe, but please, Lord, show your mercy and grace to help me to “JUST” believe! I place myself in Your hands.” I know that Jesus is loving and forgiving and kind and wants me to be able to say, “I ‘JUST’ believe with all of my heart all the time.”
Picture from Istock Studio Annika
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