Still I will – Day 12

On the market square in Galilee, the pale woman closed her eyes for a moment while taking a deep breath, her dizziness now tangible. For twelve years she has been praying for a breakthrough. For healing. For a life without constant bleeding. She has sold all her possessions to consult doctors. No one could help her. As she opens her eyes, she looks at Jesus amidst the crowd, a few meters away from her. She knows what she must do. Determined, she goes down on her knees. Even if it takes her last strength, she will touch Jesus’ garment today.

Late one night, in front of a door in Bethany, a woman stood with a heart racing. Did she make a mistake in coming here? The guilt of her sinful life and wrong decisions is almost unbearable upon her shoulders. What if He sends her away? She takes one last breath and then pushes the door open while walking in Jesus’ direction. Kneeling before Him, tears of regret and shame streamed down her cheeks. Will He show mercy towards her? She then breaks open the alabaster jar to anoint His feet with expensive oil she bought with her last money.

Two desperate women, on their knees before the One who can show mercy, grace and bring healing. Although not one of them had a guarantee of how the situation would play out, they both, in faith, took that step towards Jesus.

In Luke 8:46-48 we read that the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment on the marketplace.
Instantly she was healed and Jesus turned around asking: “Who touched me?” To his disciples it was a strange question, because there were lots of people all around Him, pushing to get closer to Him. In Luke 8:46 Jesus however said: “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When Jesus’ eyes met with the woman, she fell down in fear before him, telling Him why she did it. Instead of blaming her, He had love in the eyes and said: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48).

In Luke 7 we read that the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, expected further punishment due to her bad reputation. Even the man in whose house they were, wondered why Jesus allowed her to anoint Him. Because Jesus knew his thoughts, He said: “I tell you, her sins — and they are many — have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus looked at the woman, saying: “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:47-48).

Two women experienced God’s undeserved grace because they, in faith, chose to seek His face. In James 4:8 we read: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” And in Isaiah 1:18, God says: “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”

Are you longing, like these women, to experience God’s grace in your life today? Let’s take the step of faith in Jesus’ direction. He showed mercy and grace towards them. He will do the same for you. God bless.