gossip mills on fire

Thursday July 2^nd, Mark 5: 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.  Life is restored, but Jesus brought more than miracles, he also brought mercy, and calls on us to do the same.  He asks others not to say anything about the healing.  To tell would set the gossip mills on fire, did you hear what happened, he raise one, maybe two or three from the dead.  Imagine what he could do for old Uncle George.  Jesus would cease to be the messiah and his ministry would be remembered as a miracle worker only.  A few lives would be changed, society however, the source of most ills, would remain unchanged.  For the sake of mercy, he was willing to put his ministry in the jeopardy of silence.  Perhaps we too are called to put our plans, our aspirations, in jeopardy for the sake of showing mercy.  Perhaps it is in showing mercy that we too come to new life.