“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” (Mark 5:39-40).
Do we not do the same at every funeral? If the preacher said this, we too might laugh. The Lord has promised to return, and the dead shall be raised. If the dead are not raised, then we who believe are to be pitied; but if they are raised, then we live in the promise that the Lord shall raise us on the last day. Jesus is the Lord of life. We are called to trust Him and not live like the world which does not trust.
Lord, if I were there that day, would I have been one who laughed in unbelief? How many times do I laugh now in unbelief? Help me to move beyond my unbelief to realize that all things have always been in Your hands. You can raise the dead, here and now, as You will on the last day. Help me to not act as the unbelieving do and live as if death were the final answer. You are the final answer.
Lord Jesus, You have come so that we may have life here and now in preparation to live with You forever. Guide me, Lord, in the way You know I need to live. Where I doubt and do not believe, lead me through all things so that I may humbly trust You, knowing that everything has always been in Your hands. Lord, come into my heart and do what You will to transform me into being a child of the Heavenly Father. Amen.
