Daily Gospel Devotional: April 22

Matthew 9:20-22 / Mark 5:25-34 / Luke 8:43-48…

Dealing with issues…

This woman had endured many years of suffering and shame because of her issue of blood. Others would have considered her unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), causing social and emotional hurt on top of the physical problems. She had to deal with loneliness because family and friends would have to remain distant, and she couldn’t worship with others in the prescribed way. Not only that, she spent all her money on physicians that could not heal her.

Many are like this woman was; many things can be the “issue” that seems to ruin anything we try to do. It may be emotional, some sort of obsession or other personality trait, or a problem area you want to let go of but can’t seem to get free from. You live with a poison, and though you have tried, you can’t seem to be rid of it. Just when you start to find your way out of the den of discouragement, that same something fouls it up and you find your way back “home” again.

Observe this scene, and realize the love of Jesus, who rescues those whose hope is dying.

She came in, to get what she needed. Jesus was on His way somewhere else, but the woman presses through the crowd, and she gets a hold of Him. That which went out of Jesus stopped that which was coming out of the woman. Jesus makes time for those who press in (Hebrews 11:6).

He calls out, drawing her near. Jesus becomes the pursuer, brushing aside the protest of the disciples, stopping the procession of people, searching for a person who knew they needed Him. Jesus is still looking for hurting people (Matthew 9:12-13).

She came back, knowing she could not hide, confessed and worshipped (cf. Hebrews 4:12-16). Jesus offers a word of extreme inclusion and acceptance; He calls her daughter. Jesus takes those on the outside and makes them part of the ultimate “in” crowd (Galatians 3:28).

She came to touch Him because of her faith; she was made whole because she fell down in humility, her pride crucified in front of the crowd. We just want our little piece of Jesus, but our confession and worship will have to go public if we truly want to deal with all the issues surrounding our “issue”. Perhaps it’s time to air out your dirty laundry (James 5:16).

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©