SOAP: deliberate belief

S - While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue,“Do not fear, only believe." — Mark 5:35-36 (ESV)

O - In the eyes of the people Jairus' situation was 'over.' There wasn't anything Jesus/God could do. Best to not bother him with something so final. Yet, Jesus is bigger than death. From the perspective of God the finality of death is just sleep. Jesus invites Jairus and his disciples to have this heavenly perspective, believing God is not finished when things are way beyond us and our finite expectations.

I also notice how everything in Mark happens 'immediately.' I notice that this happens 'with haste' with Herod's daughter (Mark 6:25). There is something deliberate about Jesus and the Spirit. Including 'leisure,' 'solitude,' eating and 'prayer' (Mark 6:31, 46) There is something rushed, hurried, and foolish about earthly 'kings.' Rushing leads you to decisions and actions you never wanted or believed you would choose. Deliberately living leads to health, compassion, action, concern for others, and a single-mindedness about God's purposes.

A - Perhaps this is a season of "sleep." A time to learn this kind of deliberate living. Deliberate belief that it is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom (a heavenly reality) in the midst of our circumstances (an earthly perspective). When Jesus leads the disciples into rest (6:31) the word "leisure" can also mean "convenient time." It seems this is a "convenient time" to learn about deliberate belief.

P - Lord, its impossible to ignore how this speaks to my desperation this morning. Bills. Work. Purpose. Health. Life. These things seem to be in a... 'dead' kind of place (not actually dead, but not moving from an earthly perspective). Yet, the sense that I get is that this is a season of "sleep." What would you like to say to about this:

Do not be afraid. Just believe. Believe the promises of your Heavenly Father. He knows what you need and it is his pleasure to give you the kingdom.