PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 8:49-56
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“’Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.” (Luke 8:52)
In the bible, sleep is a euphemism for death (see John 11:11, 1 Corinthians 11:30 15:51).
This is not to minimize the curse of death, but to maximize the blessing of hope!
Death is a tragic and unnatural experience (from a creation point of view).
Jesus was not being heartless about their grief (he cried too, John 11:35).
His words are gentle and hopeful, an invitation to hope and not despair.
Jesus was confident God would raise this girl, and that gave him courage.
We can still weep, but our tears can still leave room for hope.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Because of Jesus, grief does not need not be hopeless despair.
I’ve been with parents who like Jairus pleaded for their child to be restored.
I have not witnessed a resurrection like this, though I too have pleaded and wept!
But through my experience of sorrow and death, I have not given up hope…
Sleepers will awake!
PRAYER
Lord, I hate death. I still grieve when someone I love dies. But may the shadow of death never bring me to a place where I despair without hope. May hope always shine through the tears.
“Don’t be afraid, just believe..” Lord help me be courageous so my fear doesn’t get in the way of my belief – that I don’t limit the good works you are wanting to do for me just because I’m too afraid! Thank you for being our courage and strength!
“She’s not dead but asleep” and later “Her spirit returned”. The resurrection – Jesus conquers death and so I have hope that when the Lord takes me home he will renew my body and my spirit will return to a healed body – no longer contaminated by sin! Hallelujah – what a Saviour! Jesus has proven he can – this story is a testimony to that. Enable me to serve Lord – you have given me life and hope!
Jesus gives life. Jesus gives hope. Jesus hears us in our need like the thief on the cross. All for Jesus. He shares Himself to the people who come to Him -with love and grace. And He has promised to hear us when we pray for He has said that we need to come to Him and He will supply all our needs though His love. He empowers us to live twice – this life and the life to come. That’s hope.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
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When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.