Desperate Faith

He was a man of desperate faith

Jairus was willing to risk it all

As he fell at the feet of Jesus

Reputation, respect and honor

What did that mean to him now

As his little girl lay dying

He went to the One

The only One who had the power

Over sickness and disease, even life and death

In desperation he begged

My daughter, she is going to die, unless

Please…come…touch and heal her.  So, Jesus went.

She was desperate, when would she ever have another chance

The crowds said Jesus was coming

He alone had the power to heal her

For twelve long years, she was considered unclean

An outcast, no one would even touch her

Everything had been wasted on doctors who couldn’t help her

In faith, with a trembling hand

She reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak

Immediately, after twelve long years, she was healed

Instead of going on His way

Jesus stopped

“Who touched Me?”

He looked around and saw her

He cared for her, for she was someone’s beloved daughter too

She confessed, He proclaimed, “Your faith has made you well.”

Waiting, the father’s desperation grew

Every moment, with every delay

He wondered, was his daughter still alive

The synagogue officials came with grim news

Don’t bother, she’s dead

Then Jesus said, “Do not fear…only believe.”

When they arrived, they were greeted with weeping and wailing

Mourners laughed when Jesus said, “She’s asleep.”

But the place emptied when He said leave

Surrounded by those who loved this girl

Parents with desperate faith

Jesus commanded, “Talitha, arise!”  And she arose.

Astounded with joy

Her parents took her by the hand

“Tell no one!”  And Jesus departed

Susan Wachtel

January 7, 2019