He fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. – Luke 8:41-42
Most parents will tell you that their children are one of the most important things to them. In fact, most anyone will tell you that their family is the most important thing to them in this world. No doubt the same could be said for this man who approached Jesus. Luke tells us he was a ruler of the synagogue named Jairus.
Jairus was no stranger to Jesus, by this time the name of Jesus had spread around the area. He was no stranger to religion either. He was a leader in the synagogue, committed to caring for the place. But we find that the man was about to lose his daughter, one of the most important things to him.
What is interesting in this scripture is not that the man sought help because parents will stop at nothing to get help for their children. No doctor is too far, no price is too high, and no demand is too great when it comes to the important things in our lives. What I find interesting is how this man sought help from God.
In the midst of losing one of the most important things in his life, he was not worried about spending time with his daughter, with his family, or being consoled by friends. When he was losing what was important to him, you find that he was at the feet of Jesus. He knew his life was about to be turned upside down, but he found Jesus and fell at His feet seeking His help.
One of the hardest things in life to understand is when life threatens to take things away from us that we feel are important. We know that life is like a vapor according to scripture in James and can be changed in just a moment. Those can be some of the most trying times in our lives. How we survive those moments can be defined by where we find ourselves at those moments.
Rather than seeking comfort in all the places of this world, Jairus decided to get serious with God and he was found at the feet of Jesus. Perhaps you are facing a challenging moment in life. Perhaps life is threatening to take something important from you. If so, where are you seeking comfort?