As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.“ Luke 8:42-55 NIV
Lord Jesus,
Thank you that You love personally, intimately, deeply. Regardless of age, social standing, race or gender. Jesus your life witnessed it, your death on the cross acted upon it, your Holy Spirit assures us of it.
These two intertwined events of compassion, towards a chronically sick woman and a dying young girl, show us that You love. They also challenge us! The crowds almost crushed You! I wonder if when You walked as a man You ever got irritated? Trying to do good and then You are hindered by crowds of people just wanting attention or to see a show. In the middle of doing something urgent and serious, going to heal a very sick child, something else equally important crosses your path. Disrupts You. If You did experience irritation You did not show it, act on it or let it get the better of you. Help us to know how ever many disruptions we get or things that complicate our day we can simply work through them with You. One at a time!
This interruption could not be ignored because You loved the woman who had suffered bleeding 12 years. She did not sneak healing from You. You wanted her to know you wanted to heal her. You were not embarrassed by her illness, or think her unclean or just another woman. Help us to consider our responses to those around us and give love, respect and dignity. (Even to our enemies! Matthew 5:44).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord Jesus,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their best and for them to see Your hand on their lives for good.
For our ministers and all that is done by churches to support, help and bless their local communities. For food banks and social gatherings and care.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord we need You to be in the midst and bring healing and peace.
For Putin and Ukraine, that there would be a change in direction away from war.
For the NHS, hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries. For their future and for their best as well as the best for patients.
For all those with long term illness and disability for their strength, breakthroughs in medicine and Your joy and hope throughout the day. For those that care for them blessings and health.
For ourselves, for all we need for today, that we would rejoice and be glad and know Jesus with us.
In Jesu name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 7th November 2023
The most amazing miracle, is that out of all the billions of people he found to love, he found me – and you.
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above—
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.