But taking her by the hand He called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and He directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Luke 8:54-55
There are multiple times in the New Testament where Jesus used the command to “Arise” when healing someone. In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralytic. This will be the Gospel reading this coming Sunday, the second Sunday of Great Lent, and we discuss this more thoroughly on Sunday. When questioned by the scribes began to question among themselves whether Jesus could forgive sins, He poses them the question, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’?” (Mark 2:8-9) He then commanded the paralytic to arise by saying “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise take up your pallet and go home.” (Mark 2: 10-11) The miracle of the paralytic sent a bold statement to the scribes of the temple. It introduces Jesus as the Christ, a miracle worker, who also claims authority to forgive sins, something reserved only for God. This “arising” is significant because it fulfills one of the “Messianic signs” foretold in the Old Testament. Messianic signs were things that would be done by the Messiah, as proof that this indeed was the promised Messiah. In Isaiah 35:5-6, we read “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.” This miracle specifically fulfills the lame man leaping like a hart.
The same command to arise is given in Luke 7:12-16. In this instance, Jesus encounters a funeral procession outside of the city of Nain. A young man has died, who is the only son of a widow. This woman now has no one to call family. Moved with compassion, Jesus comes to her and tells her not to weep. “And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And He said ‘Young man, I say to you arise.’ And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And He gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ and ‘God has visited His people!’” (7:14-16) This event also fulfills one of the Messianic signs, also given in Isaiah: “Thy dead shall live, their bodies shall rise.” (Isaiah 26:19)
A third instance of the command “Arise” is found in Luke 8:54-55: “But taking her by the hand He called, saying ‘Child, arise.’ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and He directed that something should be given her to eat.” In this miracle, the girl who was healed is the daughter of Jairus, the ruler of the local synagogue. He beseeches Jesus to come to his home because his daughter is very sick. Jesus is delayed in coming, as on the way He encounters a woman who touches His garment and is healed, and He ministers to her. As He continues on the way, a man from Jairus’ house comes and informs everyone that the girl has died. Jesus continues on to the house, where people are gathering and weeping. There is no doubt that she has died. Jesus tells those gathered that “she is not dead, but sleeping.” (Luke 8:52) And the people laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. Jesus again fulfills the Messianic sign of raising someone from the dead, this one being significant because it directly affected the ruler of the synagogue, a very public figure.
Arise and be healed probably feels like the least applicable of our arise comments thus far. However, in times of despair or stress, many times in prayer and quiet reflection, we can hear God’s voice saying “arise” from whatever is going on and keep on going.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though wars arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I see after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the day of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent, He will set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies round about me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! Thou has said, “Seek ye My face.” My heart says to Thee, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not Thy face from me. Turn not Thy servant away in anger, Thou who hast been my help. Case me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up. Teach me Thy way, O Lord; and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord! Psalm 27
Question to ponder: Can you recall a time when you felt God telling you to “arise” from some kind of stress or anxiety?
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