What's on your agenda for today? Do you have projects at work or chores around the house that need to be done? Are there places you need to go and people you need to see? And what are you going to do if something—or someone —interrupts those plans?

 

I confess: one of my weaknesses is that I can get so caught up in what I feel like I need to be doing that it becomes awfully easy to miss the "divine appointments" that might be staring me in the face. But in today's word from Luke 8, we get reminded that when Jesus is present even our interruptions can be opportunities for him to work in and through us.

 

I'd imagine you know the story. Jesus is on his way to the house of Jairus, a synagogue leader, so that he can heal Jairus's daughter. But along the way, a woman who's been suffering for many years reaches out to touch the edge of his cloak, because she has faith that even that will give her healing.

 

Not surprisingly, Jesus realizes that his power has been at work in the life of someone who believes. And so, he asks who it was that touched him. And when the woman comes forward and tells her story, Jesus says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." (8:48)

 

Of course, all of this delays Jesus' arrival at Jairus's house. And a messenger comes with the sad news that the daughter has died. But Jesus tells Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just believe, and she'll be healed." (8:50) And when Jesus gets to the house, he raises the little girl to life. And all is well.

 

Now, does this mean that faith will make all of our problems go away? Well no, I wouldn't say that. But it does mean that God's schedule and ours aren't always the same. And when Jesus is at work—in, around, and through us—we can confident that what needs to happen...will! 

 

So may we be open to those "divine appointments" today. And may the presence and power of Jesus be made known as a result. Amen.