Thursday, January 7, 2016

RESTORED

In Mathew 9:20-22, we read: “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.”

Imagine with me this day in the life of the woman. She had been sick for twelve years. Because of her illness, according to the law, she was deemed unclean. She had to separate herself from the clean ones. Isolated, sick, desperate, what could she do?

She heard that the Lord Jesus would be coming to her village. She had to take the chance. If what they said of Him was true, maybe He could heal her. She had tried everything...spent all of her  money on physicians who weren’t able to help her. She would try Jesus.


She got up, trudged to the place outside the village where he passed. She tried to get close to Him without making a scene. If found out, she would be chased away, maybe with stones.

Cautiously, she inched closer until...she stood behind Him. He spoke like no man she had ever heard. His voice though strong was laced with love and concern for the ones around Him. He cared.

If only I can touch His garment, I’ll be healed, she thought. Bent from her illness and afraid, she reached out with a trembling hand and touched the hem of His garment.

He turned. But instead of a reprimand, he said to her, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” His eyes, filled with compassion, gave her hope.

“He called me, daughter. He’s not angry. He appears glad that I came.” She fell on her knees at His feet.

 I, too, came to Jesus afraid with trembling hands. I had no right to be there. So many times I spent  time and money on things that couldn’t help me. Finally, in desperation, I came, knelt down and touched the hem of His garment.  He saw me, forgave me and tells me to be of good cheer. I believe Him.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Nor because we deserve it, but because He loves us. Won’t you come? He waits for you.