While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.’ But Jesus on hearing this answered him, Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.’ ” Luke 8:49

 

Keeping time with our everyday lives is difficult, but necessary. If Jesus had lived in our society, He would have needed at least a Personal Assistant to ensure that He got everywhere He was needed on time – especially considering that He went everywhere on foot. But Jesus was never ruled by time.

 

Far from being a teacher who worked by the bell, Jesus was unique; He gave all of Himself all of the time to reaching “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24); teaching, healing, engaging in debates, casting out demons, attending dinners, feeding the multitudes, spending quality time with friends and engaging with children in His “free time”. Nothing was too big or too small for His care and concern and, wherever He went, the crowds were always waiting for Him.

 

So when the day came that the timing of two very important “appointments” clashed and tragedy struck, He was unperturbed: He took each one in His stride.

 

For us, to be en route to heal a dying twelve year old would mean rushing off with sirens blaring, but for Jesus it was a walk, delayed by clamouring crowds that “almost crushed him” (Luke 8:42). He also didn’t ignore someone’s touch; He stopped because He knew that power had left Him. He clearly wanted to identify the person and complete the healing; commend them for this bold action of faith that had enabled it, and not allow the person to disappear into the crowd, wrongly thinking the cloak had the power, and not God.

 

As Jesus was saying to the healed woman, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48), a messenger arrived with the news that the girl had died. What a surreal experience for Jairus. But Jesus was not bound by death’s timing; He immediately urged Jairus: “Do not fear … only believe, and she will be well.” And Jesus healed her.

 

Isn’t Jesus’ sense of timing what faith is all about? It’s not about the here and now – what we can see – but taking a breath (or two) and believing that as we keep in step with Jesus, His timing is perfect, and is what counts, and we are able to wait patiently for what He has promised.

 

Jairus’ faith through keeping time with Jesus brought his daughter back to him and glory to God.