Undaunted Courage
Author: Kenneth John Marks (Oregon, USA)
The woman described in the scripture reading for today is one of my heroes.
Her bleeding disorder made her unclean according to the law (Leviticus 15:19).
No one could touch her, and she could be punished for making another person unclean by touching him or her.
Out of her tremendous need, she put aside her pride and her fear of the consequences, boldly came up behind Jesus and touched his cloak.
When Jesus turned to her, she fell to the ground, trembling at his feet, and confessed her transgression.
As I picture the scene, I see Jesus bending down, taking the woman by the arm and saying, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace’ (Luke 8:48, NIV).
The scripture reading shows that if we are willing to humble ourselves before God, he will show us mercy.
Isaiah 30:18 says, ‘The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion’ (NIV).
If, like the woman Jesus healed, we leave behind our pride and fear and come boldly before God, we can be healed.
Prayer: Dear God, let us come near to you and be healed. Amen
