Inextinguishable Hope

While “letting the word get through to you” is a primary goal in our Bible Reading Journey, it is not the only one. We also hope that walking this path will help us understand the connections that the biblical authors already knew. With that in mind, I want to remind you how The Bible Project offers some excellent book summaries that help us do just that.

Right Now Media account holders can click here to see The Bible Project overview of Mark’s gospel. Those who do not yet have a free account can click here for The Bible Project on YouTube.

In my reading this week, I was struck by something I saw in Mark 5:21-43, the focus of which is on the healing of Jairus’ daughter. The synagogue leader came to Jesus to ask for His help. His daughter was about to die. He had tried everything. He was out of options. He was desperate.

While on their way to Jairus’ home, Jesus was interrupted by the woman who sought healing from a chronic condition. Can you imagine Jairus’ exasperation? “C’mon Jesus, my daughter’s dying! We need to go NOW! Turn on the sirens and let’s get moving. Can’t this wait?” And what of all the people? “C’mon people, my daughter’s dying. We need to go NOW! Why won’t you get out of the way?”

When they arrived at Jairus’ home they found that a crowd had already begun the mourning process. Jesus said, “Why all this weeping and commotion? The child is not dead; she is only asleep.” Can you see the stunned look on each face? The awkward silence was broken by some who laughed and possibly jeered. Jesus’ words seemed ludicrous. How can hope live, even here?

And it was at this point that the Word got through to me and touched a very personal and tender place in my heart.

How many times have I been like the messengers? “It’s over. No use trying any more. It is time to pack it up and go home.” And how many times have I been the well-meaning friend, suppressing a laugh because the possibility of “life” seems ludicrous and I don’t believe that God can do more than I could even ask or imagine?

As Anne and I are only one year away from sending our youngest to college we face what appears to be a mountain that cannot be climbed—how will we care for Michael in our older years? How many times have I been tempted to think, “There are no options”? How many times have I read God’s promises and felt a chuckle of disbelief? Maybe I would benefit from taking some time to focus only on Jesus’ words: “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.”

What is your unclimbable mountain? What do you need Jesus to say to you?

Sometimes these stories hit close to home.

Rob

Backstory: Just so you have the full scoop, Anne and I have spent the last few years preparing for Michael’s future. We have found skilled advisors, acquired a lawyer and have our legal house in order. Additionally, many of you have contributed to his Special Needs Trust which will be invaluable in helping us meet his needs in the years ahead. Finally, what many do not know, is that Anne and I have partnered with two other couples and have formed a nonprofit organization called Oasis Community. Our goal is to create a neurodiverse residential community in Tippecanoe county for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is the unclimbable mountain that rises before us. It seems impossible and yet we trust that Jesus will one day make a way. We are still very young and just beginning the climb. COVID has slowed our progress, but not our zeal. “Don’t be afraid, Rob. Just trust me.”