Immediate Obedience - Jairus' Daughter's Story

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Although I think this is a beautiful story, I was not sure how a whole lesson could be wrapped around one little girl - who we only know 3 things about:

• she was 12 years old
• she was very sick and died
• her father was Jairus, the synagogue ruler

Except there is one other thing we know.

When Jesus told her to get up, she did - IMMEDIATELY.

Immediately is one of my favorite words to read in the Bible.  Counting up the Hebrew and Greek words that could be translated as "immediately," it can be found up to 141 times.  There are 3 different Hebrew words and 10 different Greek words that can mean "immediately."

What fascinates me about this word is that there is no delay - no time is left for questions, doubt, bargaining, or fear.  The action happens quickly or suddenly.

And so it was with Jairus' daughter.  Jesus said, "Get up," and she did - IMMEDIATELY!

I feel like sometimes I want to hit the "snooze" button when Jesus tells me to get up.  I want to lay down and mull it over.  I want to ask questions like "why" or "how" or "are you sure?"  O want to think, over think, and think some more.  I want to come up with every logical reason why this is a bad idea.  I want to doubt and fear and talk myself out of obedience.  And then I just turn over and pretend it never happened - and maybe I'll get up the next time - when Jesus has come to His senses.

But this is not what Jesus wants.  He wants IMMEDIATELY.  He wants me to jump up, ready to do wherever He leads me.  He wants me to do whatever He has asked me to do.  He wants me to obey.  He wants me to have enough faith to trust what He says.  He wants me to get up and go.

Why do we pause when Jesus calls us to action?  Why do we doubt and fear and panic?

When Jesus called James and John to action, they "immediately left the boat and their father and followed him (Matthew 4:22).  What would these two dear friends of Jesus' have missed out on if they had stopped and questioned what they were doing.  Jesus called them to not only leave their father, but their homes, families, and jobs - and follow a stranger!

What is Jesus calling you to do IMMEDIATELY?  Don't delay!  Don't miss out!  Act in obedience and live in the blessing!

You can read more about the Jairus' Daughter's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Mark 5:22 - 24, 35 - 43.