Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 31:30–32:14, Romans 14:13-23, Luke 8:40-56

Jairus is a man with authority, yet he recognizes his limitations. For the sake of his daughter, Jairus yields to the authority of Christ, but there is an interruption. Another person in need of a miracle also reaches out to Jesus. How often do we encounter such interruptions? How many times might we feel Jesus is otherwise preoccupied, neglecting our urgent need?

News came to Jairus that his daughter had indeed died and Jairus’ faith gave way to despair, but with Jesus, hope is never lost. As we continue along our earthly journey, fear and faith seem to walk alongside. There are so many instances when fear takes hold: illness, loneliness, grief, and loss. In all of these, we reach out in faith to Christ for help, yet sometimes we experience what we perceive to be interruptions along the path to wholeness. Jesus says. “Do not fear, only believe.”

Even as we do not always understand the issues we face, we cannot forget that God is with us. Worldly powers may attempt to control our lives, but they are no match for the power of God’s love. In the end, it is Christ who calls us from death to life.

Prayer: Relieve our fears, O Christ, so that we may reach out to you and believe. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by David Nuottila, Pastor of Union Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC.

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