I had never thought much about Jairus before. Oh, I had heard the story about this synagogue ruler, and I knew he had begged Jesus to come to his house and heal his dying daughter. But I never understood the depth of his sorrow. I never understood how his heart must have shattered in pain when a messenger came to him and announced, “Your daughter is dead.” No, I never comprehended his grief and anguish – until I heard those same words from a police officer who came to our house on June 6, 2002. Jairus’ daughter was 12, and she died from an illness. Our daughter was 17, and it was an auto accident that broke our family’s heart.
Jairus’ daughter was restored to life by Jesus’ touch. My daughter Melissa – though we ache to know she wasn’t healed physically – was healed spiritually by Jesus’ sacrifice of love when she trusted Him as Savior early in her life. Now our comfort comes from knowing that her eternal existence with the Lord has already begun. Two daughters. The same Jesus. Two different results. His loving and compassionate touch is a miracle that can bring peace to grieving hearts – like Jairus’, like mine, like yours.
God took that one.
And in my lonely heart He poured
His special peace, His tender love;
I cannot doubt that God has drawn me near
To trust Him more until I’m drawn above.
– Morris
In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort.