Distracted

When I manage to get someone's attention to help solve an issue for me, the last thing I want is to have that person become distracted and start dealing with something else before tackling my problem.

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” When Jesus heard this, he replied, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.” When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. - Luke 8:40-56

The woman seeking help from Jesus didn't call out to him, or make an appointment to see him.  She just approached and touched his clothing.

That was enough of a distraction, to shift Jesus' attention away from Jairus who sought help for his daughter.  Jesus now had to deal with something else, a woman who had been bleeding uncontrollably for twelve years.

You could come away from this story with the impression that many people wanted Jesus' attention, but there is more to it, I think.

Luke wants us to make a mental note here.  Both of the people who came to Jesus sought help, one for herself to stop a twelve year run of suffering, and the other for his twelve year old daughter to allow her to continue to be a part of his life,

Twelve years of pain, and twelve years of joy.  They coexist in the same twelve year period.

It could be what Luke wants us to realize is that we all have burdens and joys that may lead us to a point where we need God's help, either to end the pain or extend the love.

The response from God may not be immediate.  He may be distracted by someone else's needs at that moment, but don't lose faith.

Jairus thought he had a limited amount of time to get help for his daughter, so his need was urgent, definitely more urgent than a woman who had been living with her problem for years.

And that is how we see our needs.  

But Jesus tells him to have patience.  Your daughter is not dead, but asleep.

In other words, before you withdraw your faith, give God a chance to hear you and respond.  He won't be distracted forever.

You just might be surprised at the outcome.

More to come...