March 30

Interrupted

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 45:10-17 | Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23 | Luke 8:40-9:6 | Proverbs 12:5-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 8:40-9:6

“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. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace’” (Luke 8:47-48 NIV).

She was a desperate woman in need of a miracle. For twelve long years she had been “subject to bleeding.” She had gone to others looking for healing, looking for hope. Each time she went away without finding what she had hoped for. 

She had undoubtedly heard the stories of others who had been healed and when she knew that Jesus was in town, faith was rekindled. She set out with the courage and strength to try one more time. In a moment of desperate hope, she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

From the looks of the story, this woman was an unexpected interruption on a busy day. Jesus has already been recruited for a miracle—the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter. Yet somehow sandwiched between the two parts of that story, is this unexpected interruption—this healing of a woman who hadn’t given up hope after years of suffering—a woman with the faith to believe that if she just “touched the hem of his garment” that she would be healed.

Jesus senses that power had been released—someone had touched him. And for a moment this unintended interruption grabs his attention—”Who touched me?” She was shaken in awe-filled reverent fear at what had just taken place, yet undoubtedly filled with joy and delight at the long awaited miracle. She hesitated but then came forward and fell at his feet with wholehearted gratitude and devotion. She told everyone of her story how she had suffered for years and now in an instant had been healed. Where others may have found an interruption, Jesus found the faith of a dearly loved child of God: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Perhaps you have suffered for a long time and are tempted to give up hope. Don’t give up. Don’t lose faith. Press in close to Jesus. Reach out in faith and touch the hem of his garment. You may feel like an interruption. But Jesus sees you not as an interruption but as a dearly loved child of God—he delights in your faithful endurance, and sees you reaching out in desperate hope. Perhaps this is the day you will sense his power and hear his affirming words, “your faith has saved you.”

Good Shepherd, thank you for your loving care. Thank you for never treating me as an interruption. With hopeful anticipation I reach out for a fresh touch, meet me at the point of my deepest need. Amen.