By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
FRIDAY
THEME: JESUS’ HOUR OF GIVING COMFORT
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:22
“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her, He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
REFLECTIONS
Whenever the opportunity comes, Jesus would demonstrate how important and critical it is to comfort the ailing and the mourning. In providing comfort, Jesus saves the individuals involved and gives them hope. Thus, faith plays a pivotal role in receiving comfort from God. Faith is a gift of God to humankind that enables us to access His blessings and comfort. He is a God of comfort who is always with His people to comfort them (John 14:18; Matthew 5:4).
While Jesus was teaching and enlightening the people, a ruler, Jairus, by name (Mark 5:22), who trusted Him, came to request His indulgence to visit his home and raise his deceased daughter. The Master responded to the invitation by considering the man’s expression of deep faith so He could comfort the mourning family and loved ones. Jairus pleaded: “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” (Matthew 9:18) – Great faith! By acknowledging the man’s faith, Jesus went with him to reveal the power of God to restore the dead to life. Jesus raised the girl, comforted the family and the mourning, and manifested the glory of God. Great faith always yields incredible results.
On His way to Jairus’ house, Jesus encountered a woman who had been sick for many years, suffered social exclusion, and was financially drained. Even as blood issued out of her, she had faith to shun all others and observers who would obstruct her healing and persevered to touch the hem of Christ’s garment. She had said with incredible faith in Matthew 9:21, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” This kind of faith elicits divine comfort and response. When she expressed and acted upon her belief, Jesus confirmed the potency and value of her faith. He said in verse 22, “. . . Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.” Comfort from the divine life Giver, Jesus Christ, is always remarkable and refreshing.
Both requests demonstrated active faith, which God duly rewards. The Lord Jesus comforts the chronically ill and heals them to reveal that God is our Healer (Psalm 103:3). To the mourning, Christ comforts them by showing that death is sleep, and those who sleep will rise again. Whatever your challenge today, by faith, Jesus will comfort you with a miracle. You do not have any need to carry too heavy a burden when your burden-bearer is ready to help you. Be still, and know that the Lord is on your side.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 461 – “Be Still, My Soul”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His comfort; thank God for His healing mercies; pray for God to be your constant comfort;
– Pray for patients with chronic ailments; pray for those who have been despised and discriminated against; pray for those who have accepted Jesus newly;
– Pray for families that are grieving; pray for widows/widowers, orphans, and strangers; pray for students, parents who struggle to pay fees, and teachers for their dedication;
– Pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation, patriotic citizens, the elimination of corruption, and the search for God; pray for Christians to be true disciples by comforting the weary.
