out (Mark 5:40). Unbelief hindered the work of God. Even the Lord could not do many mighty works in Nazareth because of the unbelief (Matt. 13:58). If we could turn the unregenerate out of our churches the Lord eould manifest larger power. He took the father and mother, Peter, James and John into the room and with the touch of His hand and the word of His mouth brought back into the body the spirit of the girl. "Maid, arise." How simple. His touch identified Himself with her dead body, He spoke and she lived. Peter, James and John belonged to the inner circle (Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33), and so may we if we will. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus Christ. When He descends from heaven with a shout all those who sleep in Jesus will arise (1 Thess. 4:16). What a comfort for us are these words. If man had made this Bible, we should have had some wonderful stories of the soul of the maid—where she went, what she saw. As it is we have the simple fact of her resurrection. There is nothing to satisfy idle curiosity. (3) FAITH OF THE DEFORMED. "Believe ye that I am able— Yea Lord." Two blind men—whose faith reached up and out to Him as the promised Messiah. The Son of David was prom- ised as the mercy giver (Psa. 72:12-13; Luke 1:78; Psa. 146:8; Isa. 35:5, 42: 6-7). Perception of Faith. Though handi- capped by a dreadful deformity, these two men, companions in misery, became companions in a mighty faith. They had a spiritual insight and vision which enabled them to believe for themselves that Jesus was the long-looked-for Prophet. Persistence of Faith. They followed, crying. They did not cease until they found access to Him in-the house. The only condition of the Christ is "Ac- cording to your faith be it unto you." Our mercies and blessings are meas- ured by our confidence in Him. How we limit Him. Oh, for a larger expec- tation. (4) FAITH FOB DEMON POSSESSED. "They brought to Him." Who brought him? We do not know, but He knows, and we know that we can bring the needy to Him, if we only have the faith we should. The demon was cast out and the man spake. Dumb Christians can be made to speak if they will come to Jesus and their testimonies
privilege of seeing, hearing and touch- ing Him, and so it is today. There was no virtue in His garment, but in Him- self. All the old relies in the world would not make one sin-sick soul whole. Her faith availed and the Lord brought her to His feet in confession (Mark 5:33). The Faith Commended. "Daughter, thy faith had made thee whole, go in peace and be whole of the plague." In Luke 7:50 it is ' ' Thy faith hath saved thee." Also Luke 17:19-18:42; Acts 14:9. (2) FAITH FOB A DEAD BODY. "My daughter is even now dead." •Tairus was the Chief Ruler—his daughter was dying, Luke says (8:42); Mark says at point of death; Matthew says, dead. The rulers hated the Lord, but this one worshiped Him. Jesus Christ received the worship of men, therefore He must be God or an im- poster (Matt. 8:2, 14:33; Luke 17:15- 16; Acts 10:25-26). The Buler's Bequest. "Come and lay thy hand upon h e r ." He was heart- broken and poured out his soul at the Saviour's feet (Mark 5:23). Some have contrasted the faith of the Buler with that of the Centurian (Matt. 8:8), but the conditions are far different. To be- lieve that one eould be raised from the dead required a supreme effort. She was an only daughter (Luke 8:4). The young man at Nain was an only son ! ("Luke 7:12). Lazarus was an only brother (Jno. 11:1). The Lord's Besponse. " H e arose and followed." How wonderful that the Creator of the world (Jno. 1:3) should become an humble servant of men (Matt. 8:7; Jno. 4:34; Acts 10:38). How quickly He responds to every in- vitation. ' Would you have him in' your home, in your business or your pleasures? Invite Him. In your sore distress, in grief or pain, in perplexity or temptation, only say to Him, "Come." and He will be with you. The Maid's Besurrection. That the maid was dead was evidenced by the presence of the paid mourners and friends, who made great lamentations. The very scorn and contempt of the mourners laid the foundation for the full manifestation of His power. What awful sacrilege, when they laughed Him to scorn. In the very presence of the dead the Prince of Life was made the butt of ridicule. He would not work the miracle in the presence of these unbelievers, so He turned them
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