Kingdom At Work
In the Gospel of Mark, we learn of a man named Jairus whose daughter’s illness had led her to the brink of death. Contextually, it’s important to know that Jairus was a man who possessed significant influence in his profession and in his community as one of the rulers of the local synagogue.
During this time, most Jews had a distant knowledge about the Messiah. Many of them, however, did not yet believe that He was actually walking in their midst! Jairus, too, had certainly talked about this coming Messiah, but a personal crisis changed his approach. His daughter was nearing her last breath, and he was desperate. A distant knowledge about this Messiah was not sufficient! He made a bold decision to draw near to Jesus, proving to be transformational. That decision carried a substantial risk, though.
In order to experience lasting Kingdom transformation, are you, as a leader, willing to risk some of your commonly held reputation and comfort?
21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” -Mark 5:21-23
“…But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.” -Mark 5:40b-42
His public outcry and demonstration of desperation likely broke the “rules” to which Jewish leaders adhered. Jairus was clearly risking his reputation and possibly even his professional career by this decision. His risk proved worthy, however, because as we learned from the above passage, his daughter was miraculously healed! Not just healed, but literally raised from the dead by Jesus who drew near to her!
Kingdom transformation lies just beyond the comfort zone of what we can see.
It’s important that we not forget the byproduct of this miraculous encounter. You see, Jairus and his daughter weren’t the only ones in the room that day when she returned from death’s door. Jairus’ wife, as well as Apostles Peter, James, and John were near Him and also experienced a first-hand, personal encounter with Yeshua! They truly experienced Kingdom transformation!
For anyone who professes to be a Christian and occupies a position of leadership, simply knowing about Him is not enough!
Knowing about Him is simply not enough. The call to Kingdom leadership is greater than that! We must be willing to exchange what we’ve heard and seen from a distance for the transformation that can only be experienced by drawing near to Him.
“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” -Psalm 73:28
It has been said that the purpose of a Kingdom Business is to reveal God to all who come near. In order for that to happen, though, the leaders must first have a personal encounter with the King, Jesus Christ, and that only happens by drawing near to His presence. As leaders draw near to Jesus, they begin to experience transformation which then spills out into the organization, affecting those who are near. That precisely is Kingdom transformation at work!
Just as in the time of Jairus, many today are content to know about Jesus while watching from a distance. Now is the time, however, for Christian leaders in the marketplace to become tools of transformation for those around them. This transformation can begin taking place today – right now – as we draw near!
May we together advance the Kingdom…at work!