FROM OUTCAST TO HEIR
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
The Bible tells the story of a woman who suffered from a chronic bleeding disorder for twelve years. She sought the help of doctors and spent everything she had in hopes of finding relief, but the bleeding only grew worse. She was also considered unclean by society because of her condition. She suffered in isolation, gradually losing hope, until she heard that Jesus was nearby. She knew that He had healed many people, and she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed (Mark 5:28 NLT).” As He walked through the village, the crowd pressing around Him, she reached out in desperation to touch the hem of His robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. Jesus turned around and asked who had touched Him. The woman fell to her knees in fear and confessed to what she had done. In His loving kindness, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over (Mark 5:34 NLT).”
Notice that when the woman touched Jesus’ robe, she was immediately healed, not because of something she said or because she had already sought help for so many years, and He was a last resort. She was healed because of her faith. She believed in Him. Secondly, when Jesus turned to ask who had touched Him, and she fell to her knees, He called her daughter. In her isolation and rejection, He saw her for who she was: His precious child for whom He came to save.
Many have asked for physical healing in the name of Jesus. In His sovereignty, He may or may not choose to heal us on this side of heaven. When you profess your faith in Him, you immediately receive the ultimate healing! No matter what pain or suffering you endure on earth, you have the hope and comfort as a child of God that He will never leave you, and you will live with Him for eternity when you pass from this life.
APPLICATION: Are you suffering from physical pain? Maybe your pain is emotional, and your burdens are too great to bear. Ask Jesus for healing. Tell Him your needs and ask Him to heal as only He can.
PRAYER: Father, You are the Great Physician and the ultimate healer. Thank You for drawing close to me in times of pain and suffering. Heal the brokenness and pain in my life and cause my faith to grow as I learn to depend on You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?