August Quotes

There can be no participation in Christ’s life without a participation in his death, and we cannot enjoy the benefits of his death unless we are partakers of the power of his life. We must be reconciled to God in order to be holy, and we cannot be reconciled without thereby becoming holy.

-Charles Hodge

No matter how hard Satan tries, he cannot dim the glory of Jesus. People may close their eyes or turn their backs, but neither of those actions reduces Jesus' divine stature. 

-Woodrow Kroll

A Sovereign Protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand. 

-Augustus M. Toplady

To be a follower of the Crucified means, sooner or later, a personal encounter with the cross. And the cross always entails loss.

-Elisabeth Elliot

“Loving someone requires maintaining a measure of optimism on that person’s behalf. Hope is an attitude that good will eventually come to those who may now be failing. Failure invades every Christian’s life, and it often causes others to give up on the one who fails. Yet, Christians who love continue to hope for the best. This optimism encourages others to keep moving forward. This hope is based not on the Christian, but on Christ. The hope of each Christian is that Christ will preserve him to glory. When a brother falls, it is Christ who picks him up and makes him stand (Rom. 14:4). Christ is the one who promised to finish the work he began".

-(Pratt, R. L., Jr. (2000). I & II Corinthians (Vol. 7). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

Yet, just as the soil patiently endures the frigid hand of frost and snow and bitter cold, the soul's
winter is only a curving bend to the fair meadows of spring. Only through mourning can one know the exhilaration of joy. Beauty is the by-product of burnt, ash-dust. God looks at a field of stinky, dead earth and says, "This is my garden." I have learned never to begrudge winter, for in her wake lie all the trees of Eden.

-Unknown 

But did the clouds rain free, and the earth open beneath me, I would not stir; for I know who planted me here, and as long as He wills me to stand, neither men or devils can move me hence.
~William Wallace

Mercy is never free. Mercy is very expensive. Mercy requires paying the cost of justice, and that is the cost of our Savior’s life. But that mercy is beautiful to behold for those whom God has given eyes to see it. Mercy changes lives. And the offer of mercy can also harden. 

~Tony Reinke

Hold your ground! Should a Christian flee? Should a Christian be afraid? You are not going anywhere—Hold fast your position! You are not changing the things that God has set. You heed God’s lead, not the Enemy’s! The Enemy will not define the terms of your life. The Enemy will not dictate where you go, what you say, what you don’t say, or what you do, or don’t do. God set you here. Stand firm. Don’t move from this position. Be still and watch what your God will do for those who trust in His Almighty Name! 

~Eric Ludy

What we offer unto God? Stubborn, sinful, rebellious rejection. But unto us? A Child is born. A Son is given.

 ~James MacDonald

Just a Note...

A big thank you to all my readers this year! I loved each of your comments, and I am grateful if you found encouragement through my posts. I don't know what next year will hold, but I am not planning on regular posts each week. I intend to keep up the quotes postings, but the devotional posts will be more infrequent, I think. Look out for the last quotes post of 2016 next Friday. May you find blessing and joy during the remaining days of this year.

A Bigger Picture, Part Seven

There are five steps or phases included in the lectio divina, which in Latin, means “holy reading” or “prayerful reading”.[1] This practice has roots in ancient history and it focuses on feeling and listening to God speaking to us and transforming our lives.[2] When used alongside the inductive approach to biblical interpretation, these steps are meant provide revelation from the Spirit in accordance with God’s written Word. However, it is important to remember that our feelings are not necessarily always in alignment with the Spirit, rather, we must conform our emotions to what the Word of God shows us through the Spirit.[3]

   

The first step, Silencio, refers to the reader setting a quiet time aside to prepare his heart to enter the Lord’s presence.[4] This step should be helpful in any sort of devotional time, because in this fast-paced 21^st century, people often forget how to sit alone in the quiet to study the Word and pray. Reading the Word is hearing God’s voice, and prayer is communication with Him, so it’s vital to set aside regular time to worship the Lord.

  

The second step, Lectio, focuses on choosing a Scripture passage and reading it slowly out loud.[5] The reader needs to concentrate on allowing God’s words to say what they say, rather than reading his own words into it. Also the reader needs to apply the words specifically to himself and not to others, as is so easy to do. This aspect would definitely be vital for a Christian, because it is important to make sure that one is right with God before calling others out.

   

Meditatio directs the reader to connect the Scripture with some part of his current life situation. Reading the passage slowly again and allowing the words to sink into his heart and mind, the reader can more closely focus on what principles God is teaching. This step could be concerning, as it may lead some readers to overspiritualize the text, but through careful study, the reader can glean the principles that God has revealed to us.[6]

   

After concentrated study on the passage, the fourth step, Oratio, tells readers to use this time to pray through the passage, asking God to show His truth and point out areas where actions and attitudes need to be aligned to His Word.[7] Praying to God allows the opportunity to speak honestly with the Lord and often times helps to pinpoint areas of struggle.

   

The last step, Comtemplatio, includes the aspect of prayer in surrendering the past, present, and future to God in light of the passage that was read. Through prayer the reader also should ask that the Lord would continue His transforming work in his life, and then thank God for all He has done and continues to do.[8]

In conclusion, these five steps pointed me back to the meaning of my personal devotions—that of time

alone with God through reading and prayer. In choosing the passage from Psalm 62, I was reminded of God’s eternal character. He is our rock and our salvation and our fortress. Our hope rests in Him alone. Our glory comes from Him being our one refuge. It is in the needed silence that we learn to trust in Him. He desires our prayers and He is pleased to answer them in His timing and His way for His glory and our good. Through these verses, God instructs us to entrust our life to Him and to render to Him the cries of our heart, because He will be a refuge for us. He has promised that, and because of that promise we can remain unshaken and steadfast in our hope.

---

[1] J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God's Word (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), 231. /12.2.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid., 230./12.2.

[4] Ibid., 231./12.2.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

A Bigger Picture, Part Six

Discuss the different approaches to translating Old Testament Law. What observations are made by Duvall & Hays regarding the “covenant context” of the Law, specifically the Mosaic Covenant? How do these observations help you to study, apply, and even obey passages contained in the law?

Many people today are confused as to how to interpret the Old Testament law and show its relevance for Christians today. Some skim through the law passages without paying attention to it. Others search carefully, without understanding, finding a few understandable commands and holding to them as a guideline for life today.[1] Neither methods are particularly helpful, nor are they consistent with reading and interpreting Scripture. 

The traditional approach divides Old Testament law into three categories: moral, civil, and ceremonial. Moral laws dealt with right and wrong. They were the “timeless truths regarding God’s intention for human behavior.”[2] Civil laws described the rules of the legal system, regarding things like economics, land, crimes, and punishment.[3] The ceremonial laws were commands about festivals, sacrifices, and priestly duties. Traditionally, these divisions were vital to interpreting the OT law: the civil and ceremonial laws were not applicable for today’s believers, but the moral law was.[4] However, this viewpoint raises some questions. Plus the “distinctions between moral, civil, and ceremonial laws appear to be arbitrary.”[5] The Bible makes no such distinctions; rather, all laws point to God’s holiness and His commands to remain separate from pagan practices and culture.[6] As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, all Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient for New Testament believers. The Interpretive Journey approach helps to note the cultural and historical differences in order to apply the foundation of the law to life today.

The OT law was introduced by a covenant which God made with the people of Israel. As we use and interpret this part of Scripture there are several things to take note of. The Mosaic covenant is closely associated with Israel’s conquest and occupation of the land.[7] The blessings on Israel were conditional: as long as Israel continued to love God, keep His commandments, and drive out the pagan inhabitants of the land, God promised to bless the nation.[8] The book of Deuteronomy explains most of these laws and conditions for the Israelites. However, as NT Christians, the Mosaic covenant is no longer a functional covenant and does not stand over NT believers as law.[9] Hebrews explains this in detail, as does Romans, how that Christ came as the fulfillment of the Mosaic law and issued in a new covenant with His people. This law would be written on the people’s hearts and minds, rather than on tablets of stone. Paul clarifies in Galatians, that we have liberty from the bondage of the OT law, so when we interpret these passages, we must be careful not to place people back under it.[10]

Jesus became the fulfillment of the Mosaic law, as the foreshadowed Savior of the prophets. He is the final Interpreter and has complete authority over all law. “Some Old Testament laws Jesus restates (Matthew 19:18-19), bu some he modifies (Matthew 5:31-32). Some laws he intensifies (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28) and some he changes significantly (5:33-37, 38-42, 43-47).”[11] Jesus’ laws reminded people of the heart and spirit in the commands, rather than just the letter of the law that the Pharisees taught. So therefore, we must interpret the law through the grid of Jesus’ teaching in the NT.[12] The specifics of the OT law may not apply to us today, but the principles and guidelines of it most certainly do. When interpreted through the eyes of the NT teachings, the OT becomes applicable and revelant for believers today. [13]

---

[1] J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God's Word (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), 356.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., 356-357.

[6] Ibid., 357.

[7] Ibid., 361.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid., 362.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid., 363.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.

Testimony and Encourager

I grew up in a Christian home from the day I was born. We attended various churches for the first several years of my life, and then home-churched for several more. I remember listening to sermons as a family, reading the Bible, and singing together. Around the age of eight, my family started attending Grace Baptist Church. In Sunday school class, we were given the suggestion to read through the Gospels, and being an avid reader, I took on the task. The gospels were not unfamiliar to me, but this time, when I reached the end of John, I remember praying and asking God to save me. I don’t remember many specifics from my childhood, but I do remember understanding that I needed a Savior and that

Christ was the only one who could cleanse from sin.

During the next several years, we had special speakers and evangelists in our church, and most of the time when they asked if people needed to be saved or if they wanted to talk to someone about it, I would raise my hand. I remember sitting with one pastor’s wife in the Sunday school room and praying the “sinner’s prayer” because I wanted to make sure that I was saved. I am unsure as to which prayer was completely genuine, but I know it was around this time that I was aware of my sin and acknowledged Christ as the only remedy for that sin.

My testimony doesn’t have a specific lightbulb moment or a drastic turning point from a past way of life, rather it was a growing knowledge of who God is and what He has done for me. And I am still in that process today. Many people’s salvation stories are a one-time event, but even once the moment of salvation is gone, God is still in the work of saving His people…because we are sinful and always in need of sanctification.

I think most people struggle with assurance of salvation from time to time. Assurance isn’t something you hear preached on too often—perhaps for good reason—but I think most Christians would agree that at some point they question their salvation. Maybe they’re going through a difficult time or maybe they are just working through a spiritually dry season. Either way it can be an incredibly lonely place, and I just wanted to leave you with some encouragement in that area.

Satan likes to use our own doubts, the world’s criticism, and the sin of others around us to cause us to question God’s work in our lives. Often it’s a small seed of doubt, but once it’s planted, it takes root quickly. At full growth, it can lead to despair, depression, and worse--if we allow it a hold on our mind. We question if we’re allowing God to sanctify us. We wonder if that prayer was sincere when we first prayed it. We doubt that we’re bearing fruit.

And it gets hard to fight, because it seems like we’re fighting something all the time. There is little time to rest on the battlefield of life. Soldiers get weary. Some fall. Some die. Some leave. In the constant fight, we forget to protect our own mind and soul from the doubt that creeps in. And we forget that saved sinners have a new name: saints.

Ephesians 2:19

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Saints are those who are set-apart and holy through faith in Jesus Christ. Though we live in sin and battle it daily, it holds no dominion over us. It does not define us. We don’t live to serve it any longer. The doubts, worries, and questions that plague us, don’t have to take control over our minds.

Scripture teaches that once saved, always saved—otherwise known as the doctrine of eternal security. Once saved, there is nothing you, Satan, or the world can do to destroy your salvation. Salvation rests on God, and because He is unchanging and all-powerful, He cannot refuse those who have come to Him. We could not keep our salvation if we tried, but Christ’s work and God’s covenant cannot be reversed, and He holds us eternally regardless of our doubts.

So in the weariness of life, remember that the battle you fight is not for your salvation—that’s already been secured. Amid the doubts and questions, remember that the war for holiness was conquered at the cross—the outcome of your salvation is secure. The God-Man who saved you, is still saving and sanctifying you—He will complete His good work.

Sometimes we dwell so much on the sin and weakness in us that we forget we are saints. We’re not just saints when we reach heaven, we’re saints now. We’re created in the image of God, and His deity dwells in us. He has triumphed over our past, present, and future sin, and it holds dominion over us no more. Salvation is God’s work. Let us walk as saints because the victory is already certain. The battle is conquered. The war for salvation’s security was won at the foot of the cross. Instead, when you question your faith, give thanks for His faithfulness. He will hold you fast.

Philippians 3:9, 12

And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness form God that depends on faith…Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

I leave you with the words of the second verse of “Before The Throne of God Above”, a hymn written by Charitie Lees Bancroft, the daughter of an Irish minister.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

A Bigger Picture, Part Four

This is the 200th post here on Facing the Waves, peoples! :)

In 2 or more paragraphs, discuss the section titled, “The Old Testament as Christian Scripture,” at the end of chapter 1 in Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible. What does the author mean by the terms “continuity” and “discontinuity”? Do you agree? Explain your answer and provide biblical examples.

Thomas Schreiner uses the "already but not yet" phrase to help describe the biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments. Because the covenants, curses, warnings, and blessings of the OT cannot be separated from the NT, Schreiner uses this phrase to show how some of covenants were fulfilled, while others are still awaiting full completion even today. For instance, even though Christ came to earth and fulfilled the coming of the long awaited Messiah, the physical realities of some of the covenants have not yet been realized. The Davidic covenant promised a king who would rule on the earth and destroy the opposing kingdoms who had conquered and enslaved Israel. Jesus did indeed come, but He did not come to physical rule in Jerusalem. The Millennial reign and everything afterwards is still something that has not yet been realized and fulfilled here on earth. While Christ did indeed fulfill the prophecies regarding His birth, life, death, and resurrection, the Jews did not yet understand that Christ came to rule spiritually in their hearts and provide the Comforter who would be the abiding Spirit in them. The Jews expected a glorious entrance of a powerful King who would overthrow Roman tyranny and establish justice in Israel. The Kingdom of God did arrive, but it came in the form of a mustard seed (as Jesus would later describe) or of leaven in dough--imperceptible at first, but it would soon grow into something much mightier than a physical kingdom. 

The New Testament is important to view in this context, because just as the Israelites were waiting for covenants and promises to be fulfilled, so are we. While we already have the fulfilled birth, death, and resurrection of Christ, and while the spiritual kingdom of God is here alive and working in our hearts, we, too, await the physical coming of Christ at His Second Coming. We have the spiritual life already, but there is more to come. Like the universal blessing promised to Abraham, there was partial (spiritual) fulfillment of that, but we have yet to see peace reign here on earth or in Israel itself. The Kingdom was and is present in Jesus, but it is not yet consummated. We still wait for the day when Jesus does sit on an earthly throne and judges in righteousness, dividing the believers from the unbelievers, and issuing eternal peace to the world. The Old Testament points forward to Christ. The New Testament points back to Christ, but neither Testament include the covenant completely fulfilled, because that is yet to come. We live in a different age than the OT believers, but even still we can quickly identify with their longing and waiting for something better to come. We still await the resurrection and glorification of our physical bodies. We still wait for the Great White Throne Judgment, and we still await the freedom from the battle against sin. Not all has been subjected to

Christ fully, yet. Death and sin still have hold on this world. However, like those gone before us as recorded in Hebrews 11, we too look by faith towards that which isn't seen yet. We seek a better City whose Builder and Maker is God, and like the Israelites of old we recognize that we have not completely received what has been promised, but we look towards that one day at the consummation of the age, when all will be made right, and we will no longer pray "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done". His Kingdom will have come, and His will shall be done in that Last Day. 

August Quotes

Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.

-Benjamin Franklin 

Arrogance doesn’t come from having convictions; it comes from having the wrong convictions about how to treat people who don’t share them with you. Humility doesn’t come from not having convictions; it comes from having the right convictions about the importance of gentleness and respect.

-Unknown

There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.

-A. Rich

We live in a culture that exalts human autonomy above God's sovereignty and sets the individual’s freedom of expression above God's law.

-Paul Washer

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

-Winston Churchill

Ministry is… 

Giving when you feel like keeping; 

Praying for others when you need to be prayed for; 

Feeding other souls when your own soul is hungry; 

Living truth before people even when you can’t see results; 

Hurting with other people even when your own hurt can’t be spoken; 

Keeping your word even when it’s not convenient; Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away.

-Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Trust is earned, respect is given, loyalty is demonstrated. Betrayal of any one of those is to lose all three.

-Unknown

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

-Elizabeth Stone

Rest in this—it is His business to lead, command, impel, send, call or whatever you want to call it. It is your business to obey, follow, move, respond, or what have you.

-Jim Elliot

It is sweet to know that our tears are understood, even when words fail. Let us learn to think of tears as liquid prayers, and of weeping as a constant dropping of importunate intercession which will surely wear its way right into the very heart of God's mercy, despite the stony difficulties which obstruct the way. My God, I will "weep" when I cannot plead, for You hear the voice of my weeping! 

-Charles Spurgeon

In the pursuit of joy through suffering, we magnify the all-satisfying worth of the Source of our joy. God himself shines as the brightness at the end of our tunnel of pain. 

-John Piper

Loving one’s enemies leads disciples to the way of the cross and into communion with the crucified one. 

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We should learn to look at the blemishes and faults of others--only through the eyes of love, with sympathy, patience, and compassion. We do not know the secret history of the lives of others around us. We do not know what piercing sorrows have produced the scars we see in people's lives. We do not know the pains and trials which make life hard, to many with whom we are tempted to be impatient. If we knew all the secret burdens and the heart-wounds which many keep hidden beneath their smiling faces--we would be patient and gentle with all people.

 -J. R. Miller

Faith is neither a trust nor a belief in the unknown, but the firm knowledge that God is God, that He is true to His word, and, that what He has promised He will bring to pass.

R.J. Rushdoony

I have learned that breezes are always the precursors to wind. And winds usually push in storms. And we all know Who can calm storms. 

-D. Harrison

Reminders to Live By

It's not often that we pull out the book of Ecclesiastes and quote from it, yet it carries some deep wisdom from a man who desired and gained it early in life, but maybe should have applied it (a little) more to himself.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again, there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time (Eccl. 1:9-10, NIV).

Here is stated the theme of Ecclesiastes and the heart-cry of the author, King Solomon. Perhaps many of us could relate to the same thoughts today. There truly is nothing new, whether good or bad, that has not already existed beforehand. Our lives are just a dash on the timeline of eternity, so there is no way we would end up seeing something new that has not already been. Whether a heinous sin or the mountain-top joy, mankind and God have seen it already. Do not be surprised at God's greatest blessings, for He gave them to others long before you. Don't be shocked by the revelation of the depth of man's depravity. God's mercy began in the Garden and has been forgiving ever since.

There is a time for everything... (Eccl.3:1)

There really is, you know. Each event is appointed by God, and in some ways regardless of your integrity or folly, His events will unfold until the end of time. Not all good follows one another, and neither does the bad. But it is interspersed throughout our life as He sees fit to grow us. We wonder how the blessings could get any better, or we wonder when the darkness ends, but both do, each in their own time.

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God (Eccl.3:12-13).

Nothing better. Those are strong words. But do balance them out with the rest of Scripture, too. ;) The principle remains. God desires us to find pleasure and happiness and good in our work. In fact, that's His blessing--His gift to us. He desires that our prospering should lead to happiness and the doing of good, and personal satisfaction. Yet that personal satisfaction is based on the God who gave it, so the glory is His.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Eccl.4:10, 12).

Companionship is necessary for thriving as a Christian. To survive as a Christian, friendship is not necessary, but God did not mean for us to survive. We were made to thrive, and we imitate the Trinity when we desire friendship. The help, defense, and loyalty of a friend cannot quickly be repaid. How easy it is to be loyal to one's own flesh and blood, but the real test comes when we stand not just with those who are our own flesh, but also with those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all (Eccl.9:11).

Your swiftness, strength, resources, wisdom, or intelligence do not guarantee success or good outcomes. God is sovereign, and life has it's own rewards and consequences, so do not think that just because you are wise that you will be prosperous. Life does not always happen that way.

God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Eccl.12:14). 

Death is promised to all who are here before the Lord returns. It is certain and no man can reverse it, regardless of how they try. The Lord commands the souls of men, and He takes them when He will. For believers, their works will be tried by fire, but their is no judgment to their souls. That has been paid by Christ. For those outside of Him, they will suffer the second death. Solomon ends his book with a warning, but with a hope, as well. Fear God and reverence His word. So no matter which direction life takes you, you have God by your side.

Psalm 88

No words today, except those from Scripture. Here's a Psalm to read; it's not one most people post anywhere, but it's Scripture regardless. It'll make you think about life and about God. Blessings to you all!

Psalm 88

O Lord, the God of my salvation,

I have cried out by day and in the night before You.

Let my prayer come before You;

Incline Your ear to my cry!

For my soul has had enough troubles,

And my life has drawn near to Sheol.

I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit;

I have become like a man without strength,

Forsaken among the dead,

Like the slain who lie in the grave,

Whom You remember no more,

And they are cut off from Your hand.

You have put me in the lowest pit,

In dark places, in the depths.

Your wrath has rested upon me,

And You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah.

You have removed my acquaintances far from me;

You have made me an object of loathing to them;

I am shut up and cannot go out.

My eye has wasted away because of affliction;

I have called upon You every day, O Lord;

I have spread out my hands to You.

Will You perform wonders for the dead?

Will the departed spirits rise and praise You? Selah.

Will Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave,

Your faithfulness in Abaddon?

Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness?

And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

But I, O Lord, have cried out to You for help,

And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

O Lord, why do You reject my soul?

Why do You hide Your face from me?

I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on;

I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome.

Your burning anger has passed over me;

Your terrors have destroyed me.

They have surrounded me like water all day long;

They have encompassed me altogether.

You have removed lover and friend far from me;

My acquaintances are in darkness.

A Bigger Picture, Part Three

The assignment I'm sharing here today is one question from a larger assignment. I was required to read Mark 5:21-43 and then note the differences and similarities between the stories of Jarius and the woman who had been sick for 12 years. See if you can find the comparisons and contrasts before reading my answers. It's a bit challenging at first, but the more you think about it, the easier it is. Enjoy! :)

Mark 5:21-43 (NASB)

When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore. One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.

A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Himand touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of heraffliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the powerproceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

While He was still speaking, they came from the house of thesynagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!”(which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat.

	Jairus	Bleeding Woman
1	a man	a woman
2	goes to Jesus for help publicly	goes to Jesus for help privately
3	Likely well-to-do financially	Spent all she had on medical doctors
4	Needed healing for daughter	Needed healing for herself
5	Daughter gets worse and dies	Woman  suffers more and gets worse
6	Wanted Jesus to place hands on daughter	Wanted to touch Jesus herself
7	Led the crowd	Followed in/with the crowd
8	Daugher  had shorter sickness	Sick for 12 years
9	Weaker faith	Strong faith
10	Wailing and mourning for girl	Silent suffering
11	Girl lying down	Walking/standing to get to Jesus
12	Called “little girl” by Jeuss	Called “daughter” by Jesus
13	Family all around her	No one else with her (that we know of)
14	Outward sickness/death	Inward bleeding
15	Pleaded verbally for daughter’s healing	Silently touched Jesus’ clothing
16	Daughter 12 years old	Sick for 12 years
17	Only 3 disciples witnessed	Witnessed by crowd
18	Daughter healed after death	Healed before death
19	Jesus laughed  at by mourners	Jesus scoffed at by disciples
20	Synagogue ruler	Poor woman
21	Daugher’s physical healing	Woman’s faith healed her
22	Falls at Jesus’ feet while pleading	Falls at Jesus’ feet while trembling
23	No internal dialogue recorded	Internal dialogue recorded
24	Saw Jesus in the crowd	Heard about Jesus
25	Daughter dies first	Instantaneous healing
26	Jesus questions the crowd as to who touchedHim	Jesus questions mourners as to why they were wailing
27	Jesus went up to dead girl	Went up to Jesus herself
28	Jesus healed girl by speaking	Jesus healed her by power leaving His body
29	Ordered not to tell anyone	Healing observed by crowd
30	No apparent fear of Jesus’ presence	Trembled with fear