PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 8:40-48
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)
Here I again I am encouraged by the simple faith that Jesus honours.
It is not ‘understanding the faith’ (beliefs) that helps, heals, or saves us.
It is any move towards God – whether uncertain or desperate or confident – for help.
This woman would not have been ready for ‘profession of faith’ in my tradition.
But her humble approach was enough for God, who worked through Jesus to heal her.
I think of the desperate, cautious, hopeful people I sometimes meet.
Theirs is not a faith that would meet the criteria for church membership.
But it is sufficient for membership in God’s family, for a hearty embrace from God.
Who really are the members of God’s family, God’s church?
Among them are many desperate, cautious, struggling, hopeful people not in our churches.
Some (many?) of them look elsewhere for hope because the church won’t welcome them.
We need to welcome strugglers, doubters, questioners – even unbelievers.
They may not be ‘profession of faith’ material for our churches.
But they are ‘mustard seed of faith’ material for God (Luke 17:6).
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for being reluctant to welcome people into your fellowship. May we be as gracious to seekers as you are to us (way more than we realize). May we affirm their simple faith like you do!
” She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. This women had to be bold and persistent to get close to Jesus. Given her chronic bleeding she would have been prevented from going to the temple as she would have been considered in a state of uncleanness – so I’m sure she felt rejected. Like the synagogue ruler she was looking in faith to Jesus and she believed if I could only touch his cloak – I would be healed. That is the key – simple faith. She was healed and she would have disappeared -without any drama. But Jesus knew and he wanted us all to know that it was her faith and trust in Jesus that allowed her to be blest with healing. She now had a new life. I need you Lord Jesus to touch me with your grace each day – your spirit working within me to make me whole and give me new life! Grow my faith I pray!
Jesus gave words of hope and comfort. And more. He healed them through their expected faith. Jesus freely gives. Do I come to Him in expected expectation hat He will hear me? May I wholly continue to live for Jesus relying upon Him for the strengthening power in my service.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world,
They resound with god’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.