You are Freed from Your Sickness!

Thursday morning, January 17, 2008

This is what Jesus said to a certain woman, who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit—she was bent double and could not straighten up at all: “Woman, you are freed from your sickness” (Luke 13:12). This is what Jesus did after speaking words of healing to her: He laid the most precious, tender, loving, powerful hands God ever created—His hands—upon her. This is how she responded to His words and to His touch: IMMEDIATELY SHE WAS MADE ERECT AGAIN, AND SHE BEGAN GLORIFYING GOD!

There is something so incredible about this story that mere words are inadequate, even to attempt to address it. I almost feel that I am trying to dissect a butterfly in order to understand its inner workings, rather than simply enjoying the beauty of the butterfly; even so, I cannot resist making a few comments, so please bear with me.

First off, I really do not think she came to the synagogue expecting Jesus to heal her; instead, I think she was, merely, making her usual religious visit. The truth is, she like many of us, had probably long-since given up on Jesus (or anyone else, for that matter) ever restoring her to health. Maybe there was that flicker of hope but I have the feeling it was just that—a flicker of hope.

Admittedly, my ailment is nothing, compared to hers; however, I have asked God many times to heal my eyes (I have severe myopia and, therefore, have worn glasses for the past 55 years) but thus far, He has chosen not to do so. Truthfully, I have that “flicker of hope” but for the most part, I have long-since ceased to expect Him to heal them (yes, I know that some of you will think that that is why He hasn’t but I disagree).

Secondly, I really do not believe this woman was too concerned as to “how” or “why” Jesus managed to heal her; instead, I believe (and it is written) she was much more interested in glorifying God and enjoying her new life (and in that order!). After all, 18 years is a long time to live with any sickness, especially this one!

To be sure, if He should decide to heal my eyes, the last question on my mind would be “how” or “why”; instead, I would shout, “Hallelujah” and throw my spectacles into the river and, then, make a spectacle out of myself!

Thirdly, no one had to tell her that Jesus had healed her; no one, not even Jesus, had to tell her to stand erect; and, certainly, no one had to tell her to spend the rest of her days glorifying God by bragging on Jesus; and you can rest assured that no one had to tell her that her new condition was much better that her previous one! For this precious lady, it was time to stand erect and move on with life—real life!

Fourthly, and as you might imagine, the religious folk were not happy with her healing, not at all happy with it, nor were they happy with Jesus, and they were not (so they said!) because it was unlawful to work on the Sabbath Day! The truth, however, is this: they were unhappy because He healed her and they were still sick—really sick—but couldn’t (wouldn’t) admit it! This is the way religious folk always respond to Jesus and to those He has healed—always! Jealousy, I believe, is the word!

Finally, if Jesus has healed you from your infirmity (and you know it, if He has!), He did so not only to set you free from it, but also to usher you into a new and exciting life—the life He has dreamed for you, since the foundation of the world. Do not be afraid! Do not look to the left or to the right! Do not be distracted from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus! Follow your heart and begin to live—really live!

Finally, finally, before you “set sail” stop just long enough to feel His precious, tender, loving, powerful hands, as they embrace you and send you on His way!