Wednesday July 10, 2024

Today is Wednesday, July 10 and we are learning what the Bible says about restoration.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my mind and quiet my heart. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of my Lord and Shepherd. In utter trust and confidence, I turn to the God who loves me who has the power to restore my soul. Amen.

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Luke 8:51-55

In the New Testament Gospel of Luke, Jairus was a leader in the local synagogue and his twelve year old daughter was dying. Jesus makes his way to Jairus’ home. He is surrounded by people, crushed by the crowd and delayed when a sick woman touches the edge of his cloak and is healed. When he finally arrives at Jairus’ home the people believe the little girl is already dead. Jesus tells them she is not dead, but only asleep. Jesus awakens her and calls her forth from sleep.

I recall seasons in my life when I was very spiritually awake. I remember times when God was especially real, the Holy Spirit was genuinely present, I was head-over-heels in love with Jesus and the scriptures seemed to come alive. I also recall seasons of spiritual dryness, my devotional life felt empty, God’s presence seemed absent and serving seemed like drudgery. In a similar way, when I look back over the history of my church, I recall times when the community of faith was alive, vibrant and awake and other times when the congregation became complacent, detached and lifeless. Perhaps I mourned on occasion, assuming my faith was dead or the faith of God’s people was dead. During those times, Jesus knows I am not dead, maybe just a little sleepy. I need awakening. During those seasons, Jesus knows the faith of His people is not dead, they just need awakened.

I name before God the things in my life that have become lifeless and dead. I name before God the things in my life that I grieve and mourn for their loss. I consider the places where my faith or the faith of the people around me has drifted off to comfortable slumber. I reflect on where my faith is not as vibrant and alive as it once was. I acknowledge my spiritual comfort and Christian complacency and recognize I am missing out on the fullness of life God has for me. I imagine Jesus standing over me. I feel him take hold of my hand. I hear Jesus speak to me. “My child, get up!”

Ask: What does this image of Jesus mean to me personally? This awakening? What or who do I need Jesus to wake up?

Pause and Pray

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Awaken me to your goodness, awaken me to your love, awaken my faith. Holy Lord Jesus, call me out of my slumber as you roused a little girl out of her sleep. Take my hand, call my name, restore my spirit and renew my soul. I long for my heart to be revived and my soul to be awakened. Wake me up to your love. Wake me up to your joy. Wake me up to new life in you. Enliven me and those around me. Through the power of your Holy Spirit awaken your church and revive us again. Amen.

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