Mark 5
By Pastor Brad
Key verse- He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” Mark 5:39
Mostly Dead
“He’s not dead, he’s…. mostly dead” (said with a Yiddish accent, of course). This scene from the story of The Princess Bride describes the state of which the hero, Wesley, is in after being tortured and left for dead.
Do you sometimes feel that you are in a comatose state only functioning day by day through life but never really living? Do you sometimes feel that you are mostly dead? Fear and doubt can be so strong in our lives that they keep us locked up inside and in a spiritual coma. Many times we want to follow God’s leading but are just too afraid to take the step of faith.
In preparation for this past years’ Thanksgiving worship musical I experienced that fear and doubt for myself. The past several years I have compiled choir anthems from previous musicals and repacked them to create a new theme.
The feeling of angst set in when I discovered that some of the songs I chose had not been arranged yet for choir and orchestra. Feeling the pressure of having to write these songs was at times overwhelming. I can’t do this. What if it won’t work? I’m afraid people won’t like it. It’s out of my comfort zone. I’m dead.
With the help of the Holy Spirit and other musicians the task was completed. It wasn’t until the first night of the musical when I heard those songs being received by the congregation that I experienced the fullness of God’s blessing and LIFE! Up until that moment I needed to trust in God’s direction. I’m so glad I went through those growing pains of trust and faith.
“Now I’m coming back to life
I’m living inside
All of my fears are far behind
And I’m coming back to life
I found what I need and it’s You
That brings me back to life.”
Words and music by Scotty Wilbanks and Chris Peevy
Jesus has the authority to cast out demons, heal the inflicted and raise the dead. Why then when Jesus speaks to us with his authority do we resist and prefer living life, mostly dead?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to live, and grow in the passion of serving you. I don’t want to become complacent in my walk. If I’m not growing, I’m dying. I believe that you will enable me to do whatever you ask of me. Thank you for bringing me back to life.
