Losing one’s own child is a terrible... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Jesus took her by the hand and called, saying, Little girl, arise.
Luke 8:54.

Losing one's own child is a terrible ordeal. And that is what had happened in this incident related in the Bible. It is about a ruler of the synagogue who asked Jesus to come to his house because his daughter lay at death's door. On the way there Jesus was held up because a woman who was gravely ill needed His help. While He was talking to her, the father received the news: "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the teacher." But Jesus boosted his courage: "Do not be afraid," He said, "Only believe" (vv. 49.50).

What was the father to believe? Let us express it in this way: "Your daughter has died. But if you trust Jesus, you will discover that He can do what you could never imagine."

Disregarding Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the father had every reason to fear: the situation was hopeless. But by trusting Jesus and His promises, his fearful heart could find peace. And this still applies today. Our guilt before God and the many problems resulting from it can terrify us. In our view things are hopeless; they go beyond our means. But Jesus calls us to come to Him. He will forgive our guilt and help us to lead a happy life with Him. But like that father, we must go to Jesus and trust Him.

Jesus saved the dead child by taking her by the hand and calling her. Whoever has been grasped by the Lord Jesus' strong hand, so to speak, can rely on His promise:

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).

Today's reading: Joshua 8:1-13 · 1 Corinthians 6:12-20