How she must have felt that day as she made her way down the back roads into town. Did anyone see her? Did anyone take notice that she had crossed the threshold of the city gates? Already a crowd had gathered. Men, women and children began to fill the city square.
She would wait, secluded, out of sight, until there were enough people to get lost in the maze. She would be hidden from those who knew her; who knew she was defiled and unclean. Passed memories tried to pull her away. It's foolish to think anything is going to change. I've tried everything and nothing has worked. I am miserable, worthless, and hopeless. It’s best to escape while I can, she thought. I should leave now. How could He even consider her worthy enough to notice her plight, let alone heal her? How could He accept her after all she had done? Would He reject her? Would He turn His face,or would He... Would He use the familiar words that were already too familiar to her, “Go away! You are unclean! Away, away, don’t touch me.”
Should I give up now? I’m so close. I've never been this close before. I may never get this chance again. He did heal the blind man. I’ll bet he was a much better person than me, though. Does He heal sinners? Yes, of course he does. Look at all the people He has healed; they couldn't all be sinless, could they?
The crowd is now overflowing the street as His group comes towards them. There He is... I can hardly see Him there in the middle, pressed on every side. The two groups meld together into one throng. I know He will heal me, I just know it! He is my only hope, and I must believe. I do believe!
She enters from the back of the jostling crowd. Her weakened condition makes it difficult for her to get close enough. Her desperation moves her forward, despite the forceful crowd closing any avenue to Him. If I can only touch His garment, I will be healed. I will be healed quietly and know one will even have to know.
Almost there; reaching out she barely touches the hem of His garment. But in that same moment, He suddenly stops. “Who touched me?” His words might be muffled by the noisy crowd, but in her ears they sound like a trumpet call. Oh no! He knows! He turns and looks straight at her. Falling on her knees she confesses that, indeed it was she, who had touched Him. With love and longing, He speaks, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34 He called her daughter. Daughter! What does that mean? That means I am accepted. That means I belong. I am the daughter of the King!
And I, in return, will call Him… Father.
Read it again as if it were you coming to Jesus. Do you feel unworthy, unclean, hopeless? Jesus is passing by. His healing power is waiting for you. He is truly longing to set you free from your suffering.
Mark 5:25-34
copyright 7/10/2014
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