Day Fifty-One: The Secret to Boldness
“When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.’ So Jesus went with him.” (Mark 5:21-24, NIV)
Rarely does one choose boldness. Instead, boldness selects the person who out of the wrestle and pain of disappointment, tragedy, grief, or fear, realizes that what might be lost is of less value than what in hopes will be gained. This wrestle is what gave Jarius the courage to risk his position and reputation to approach Jesus for help. His daughter was dying. His tradition, logic, and natural resources had failed him. His daughter needed more than he, or anyone he knew, could give her. Maybe Jesus could help or would help. He had no guarantee, but that didn’t matter.
In Jarius’ story, we find the secret to boldness. LOVE. In his choice to approach Jesus, he revealed his priorities and value system. He cared less about his social, financial, and political future than he did his daughter’s life. Living in a world without his daughter was a greater disgrace and consequence than having all the fame and fortune the world could provide. And thus, we find that boldness is not a discipline one can learn; instead, it is the FRUIT of love. This fact is illustrated best in verse 23,
“He pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.'”
Don’t you love Jarius’ rawness and vulnerability? Can’t you feel his love and desperation? So powerful! Well, at least Jesus thought so and responded. Notice verse 24, “He went with him.” Jesus’ response compels us to ask an important question, “Was Jesus moved at the content of the request or by the love demonstrated through the requester? By your answer, I hope you discover the power of love or the areas that might lack love. If you find that you have some areas that require love, then decide to bring those to Jesus. In doing so, you will unlock a boldness that compels Jesus to “go with him.”
Blessings,
Andy Smith