Who You’ve Been Doesn’t Matter

April 16

(Luke 8:40-42, 49-50 NIV) ““Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. {41} Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house {42} because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying…. {49} While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." {50} Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.””

(Revelation 1:12-18 NIV) “I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, {13} and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. {14} His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. {15} His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. {16} In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. {17} When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. {18} I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

When you come earnestly to Jesus, it doesn’t matter who you’ve been. Just ask Paul the apostle. Ask the forgiven thief, crucified next to Jesus. Ask the woman caught in adultery. Ask Jiarus, the powerful synagogue ruler. He had likely spoken against Jesus, as many of the synagogue elite had done. But Jiarus ran into a situation where his power was worthless, and he came to Jesus for help. He fell on his knees before Christ, begging Him to heal his dying daughter. Jairus became a man of faith, and Jesus responds to faith. When word came that his daughter was dead, Jairus’ heart sank, but Jesus told him to believe and not be afraid. Jesus is the First and Last. He is the Living One who died and rose. He holds the keys to death and Hell. Have faith and pray, for we too will rise again. When you come earnestly to Jesus, it doesn’t matter who you’ve been. Just believe! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day