Hi there
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.” Luke 8:44 NLT
I often wonder whether she expected such an immediate transformation of her circumstances. For immediately suggests that very moment. No hesitation, no delay whatsoever. I also wonder what did she do next, what she was thinking; for Jesus’ response (who touched me?), and her trembling confession would suggest that there was no immediate celebration of her healing.
The fact is, she violated the laws in effecting her healing. She KNEW that her stolen touch was taboo. Yet desperation propelled her forward. She could not say thanks, celebrate publicly with the throng round about her or even attempt to pay for the service she stole! Was she trying to blend in with the crowd, attempting to return ‘home’ on the streets or to family, which after TWELVE long years, would have proclaimed her dead?
And if caught, what would the consequences be? Had she been healed immediately to die by stoning? Or would the Jesus person be so caught up in his importance that he would do the punishing? If those thoughts went near her mind; she was probably try to figure out a way of escaping without being noticed, just as she’d been unnoticed by the crowd earlier.
We pass this woman in her former state – broken, ignored, foraging for life. As one dead. Perhaps maintaining a façade of liveliness. She could be you or me! Male or female. We perhaps have met her since the ‘bleeding’ stopped – the rigors haves been switched for grace beyond measure, by the One Who can handle it.
We might not have the natural resources to help the woman in her former state; we might not be as desperate for change as she was; and sharing one’s faith could be against the law; but God’s love can be transmitted even through the fringes of a robe. And that’s sometimes ALL the healing a body or mind needs.
Yes, there are consequences. No we have ZERO idea what happens after the Love is sought. But we pray that God honors our (their) desperate touch for transformation and that we might feel the impact. Wholly and Immediately.
Good morning to you too
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
