So...who are you in the story?

This morning as I was reading my daily Bible reading, I’ve had a lot on my mind.  The recent terror of ISIS is so surreal to me.  At times I simply cannot believe that I’m living in a time where such atrocities are taking place.

I was reading Mark 5:21-43 where Jesus heals the little girl who was sick, but died while Jesus was on his way to heal her.  When he arrived he asked the people why they were so upset.  He said, “The child isn’t dead, she’s only sleeping.” At that statement the people laughed at Jesus, at which point, he had them all leave except for the parents of the girl and Peter, James, and John.  He then went on to heal the little girl.

So as I was reading this, I felt like the Lord was showing me something.  The world that we’re living in right now is crazy…but God is still in control!! Hallelujah!! As followers of Christ, we need to have a strong faith and trust in God.  Jesus put those followers who really didn’t have true faith or believe in him away from himself while praying for the little girl. 


Not too long ago, an acquaintance of mine was struggling with fear.  I was in a position to speak freely and heard the Lord speak to me what would help this person.  I told her of the scripture the Lord had brought to my mind and suggested that she speak it out loud because God’s Word never comes back void.  She kind of shrugged me off and then another in the group laughed and made fun of me because of what I had said.  Now, please understand that these were people who were on a worship team with me.  I could understand if people who didn’t know God would respond this way, but these were fellow worshippers of Jesus. This is much like the situation with Jesus healing the little girl.  Jesus put those who didn’t believe or take him seriously aside from the situation at hand.


Where we are in the history of the world now, we need to know who we are in Christ.

Do you know who you are in Christ?  Who would you be in this story?  Would you be one of the many who laughed at Jesus…one who doubted him…or maybe one who simply doesn’t believe at all?  For myself, I want to be the one Jesus allows to stay with him while he does the miracle of healing the little girl.  I don’t want to be the one who is asked to leave.


Search your heart.  Ask God to show you who you would be in this situation. 


I just read this morning that each of the 21 Egyptian Christians who were beheaded days ago yelled out, “Jesus is Lord” as they were losing their lives.  We need to know what…or rather who we stand for.  This is real, people.  You’re either a disciple of Christ or you’re not.  Choose wisely.


For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16