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Friday, April 30, 2010

The Beautiful Touch

This is my 100th post!

I have taken my time writing this one because I wanted it to be something special. (I don't know why I want it it be special now, since I have been bringing you a whole lot of nothing for the past 99 times, but bare with me here)

I didn't know what I wanted to do with it, and to tell you the truth I was kicking myself for not saving the giveaway until now.

So, I have thought and thought and thought and...well you get the idea. There has been one story that has continued to stick out in my mind over and over and...well, you know.

I don't know why this story(actually I do) because I haven't thought of this story in years and years and....OK I'm gonna quit now :)

Its the story of the woman that touched Jesus' robe as he was walking to heal a sick girl. It can be found in Mark 5:21-35.

Jesus was at the height of his popularity and large crowds followed him wherever he went. He was on his way to heal the dying daughter of a friend. When a woman that had been bleeding for 12 years heard of his arrival she said "If I can only touch his garment I will get well". She stood behind Jesus and touched the hem of his robe and was immediately healed. The blood stopped.

Jesus felt the touch and asked "Who touched me?"

His disciples, confused, told him there was no way to know who had touched him because of the throngs of people that were following him. With that many people I would venture to guess that people were bumping into each other all the time. But this time was different. Jesus already knew who touched him and why. He was giving her the chance to come to him.

The women then walked up to him, and she was afraid. Because she had literally had her period for 12 years. She had been shut off from society, her friends, her family, she was an outcast. She has not had contact with another human being for the past 12 years. She was ceremonially unclean.

So, in a sense she defiled Jesus when she touched him. She was afraid that he was angry, and now she would have to be killed for her treachery. But here is the beautiful thing about this story...

Jesus looked at her and said "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction"

So why is this story weighing heavy on my mind? Well, you see it's two fold.

First, this woman had incredible faith. She didn't need to speak to Jesus. She didn't need to meet with Jesus. She didn't even need him to acknowledge that she existed. She believed he was the son of God, and she believed in him enough that touching the edge of the clothes he had on was enough. Can you imagine faith like that?

Second, even though she "defiled" him, even though she was "unclean", even though she was a social outcast, He loved her, and accepted her. Did you notice that he called her daughter? the wretched woman who no one loved. This disgusting creature who deserved death for just touching him. Not only did he love her, but he healed her! No matter where you are in your walk, what you are going through, or what you have done HE loves you as a father, and he accepts you for who you are. There is not one of on this side of heaven that is any cleaner, or deserving than that woman. Sure, we may not have been bleeding for the past 12 years (THANK GOD) but we are just as unclean, and disgusting as she is. We also deserve death like she did.

But, what sets us apart from her is she was willing to take a huge chance based on faith.

Are you?

7 comments:

Wendy said...

Jennie, What a wonderful story to pick for your 100th post! Enjoyed reading! Couldn't imagine living without faith and hope!
Wendy

Mandy P said...

Wow. GREAT post! LOVE it! I'm so glad I stumbled across your blog through SITS Saturday Share Fest. I love that story too. Isn't it amazing that Jesus love US and knows us even when we don't reaize He does? Can't wait to get to know you better! =)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story! I also love the flowers at the top of your page!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and Happy Saturday Sharefest!

Angie said...

This is beautiful. I'm so glad to have found your blog (and that you found mine!)

I've read that story so many times, studied it time and time again in Bible study, yet you've made me see that I've never really appreciated it. Thanks for sharing. :)

Samantha said...

Congratulations on your 100th post!
It's so good to know that He loves us no matter what.

Lesley said...

ONe of my FAVE stories.....Congrats on your 100th post! Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

Magimom said...

I love it! This too is one of my favorites - Faith and Hope, that's what it's all about!
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

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