Twelve Years A Dad

Mark 5:21-43

‘He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cumi’, which means, “Little girl, get up!”’

For a moment, all hope was draining away. Then he looked at me, “Don’t panic, just stay with me”, his words, they just reached out to me with hope beyond hope surging back.

You see, this was all about my precious little girl. We’d watched over her so carefully since her miraculous birth; shining into our lives: Esther by name, Esther by nature. Now, just as her own womanhood dawns, a raging fever, body ashen, drenched and limp, drifting away. Someone of my rank should maintain his dignity but, frankly, my little girl was dying. The moment I knew Rabbi Jesus was landing, I tore through the streets, crashed down to the shore and unashamedly begged him. He started immediately, everyone swarming up towards our house.

But why this delay? Seriously? Someone touched him? I was confused, every second counted. He was talking to a woman, twice Esther’s age – looked well enough, probably had children of her own. I heard, “Daughter”. Hope returned, “Yes, yes, my daughter, my Esther…” and then my servant, breathing heavily, found me and hoarsely whispered what I’d dreaded, “She’s gone. Leave him now.”

I was scrambling for hope but it drained away in an instant. I would have crumpled to the floor right then but Jesus caught my eye, understood, “Just stay with me.” He took my arm and we walked together. It’s a blur really, the band sent packing, suddenly just Jesus and the Three, distraught wife, our home as silent as a grave, Esther lying there, still. Jesus tenderly lifts her hand, “Time to get up, little one. There, she wants some breakfast, Mum and Dad.” Sheer relief and joy.

Twelve years a daughter and now: a rebirth. And I’m a Dad again.

Adoration: Precious Lord Jesus, I pour out my worship to you. You see into my soul, you know my longings, hopes and despair, read my fears and doubts, my anger and resentments. Yet your will is to welcome and embrace, to guide, to heal, to complete. I bring you my body, my time, possessions, status and wealth: my whole life as a worship offering because you laid yours down for me.