22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. 24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. — Mark 5:22-24
Jesus is always quick to respond to calls for help. He went at once with Jairus when his little daughter was dying.
But He is never in a hurry. Although the child was at the point of death, when a poor woman in the throng touched the hem of His garment, with a heart-cry for healing in the touch — Jesus gave heed to her and gave her the blessing she sought. He even lingered to talk with her.
By the time He had done this, it seemed that He had waited too long, for word came that the child was dead. But Jesus is just as able to restore the dead — as He is to heal the sick.
So His delay in reaching the ruler’s house resulted in a greater work, when He raised the dead child to life — than if He had hastened and had kept her from dying.
We need never be afraid of Christ’s delays — He never tarries too long.
We may learn a lesson, too, on the beauty of wayside work. When we are going somewhere on an errand of business — we may find opportunities of doing others kindnesses on the way.
J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
