Matthew 9:22

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment ~ Matthew 9:22

 

There are so many beautiful stories which surround our Lord, but for me, this one and the woman at the well in Luke attract me beyond all the others. In her culture, this woman was ostracized. She would not have had a touch, a look, a friend or a spouse, for she was dirty and “unclean”. Not only that, but an impure woman would not dare touch a man’s garment, for in her touch, they would become defiled and would not be able to perform their religious tasks, or enter the temple to worship. But, reach out and touch him she did, and in her act, she was made whole. What made her reach out? What caused her to look beyond her circumstances and her fear to even dare to do such a thing? Certainly, she must have known Jesus had healed others by His touching them, but for her to reach out and do the touching? That is faith! No wonder Jesus turned around and told her to be of good comfort. She need not fear that she had “stolen” her healing, but that in believing He was the Great Healer, she had received what He had to offer – the gift of wholeness. How often do we hold back when we come before the Lord in prayer? How often do we speak only surface concerns in our prayers, not really getting to the grit of our issues and problems, trusting Him to take care of them? Jesus’ compassion flows abundantly toward us, even wanting to lead us into His gift of healing and wholeness. What healing do you need today? Bring it in all openness, reach out and touch the Lord with your need, and see if He does not heal you too.

Pastor Julia


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