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As we continue our studies in Luke’s gospel, this week our attention is focused on verses 10-21. Please read them every day this week and, if possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 13:12-13 (NIV)
‘When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.’
Some of you may be aware that I work on an IT Service Desk. What that means is that anyone in my company who has an IT related issue can call and fully expect that their problem will be resolved. My role within the team changes quite significantly on occasion but most of the time I’m involved in project related work and rarely get ‘hands-on’ responsibility in the day to day issues.
My colleague sitting at the next desk to mine is very, very good at his job and knows just about everything. However, whenever anyone visits the desk to ask for assistance, because I’m the senior guy, they invariably walking away saying “Thanks Paul”. My colleague has done all the work and yet they still give their thanks to me! He does get frustrated some of the time and can be heard muttering under his breath, “You’re welcome!”
Yesterday, we set the scene where Jesus is teaching and this poor lady enters the synagogue. I don’t know if she knew she was walking in late, but I suspect that she heard that Jesus was in town and wanted to see Him. Fear of embarrassment was not going to hinder her as she made her way into the room.
Many preachers would have been distracted by this scene and would have wanted things to calm down quite quickly. Perhaps ushers would be called to help the lady to a seat close to the back? It could be that a few of the leaders’ wives would be asked to assist the woman quickly and quietly. Either way, I’m sure that most people would have wanted things to get back to normal so that the preaching could continue.
What we actually see though is a lesson for us all in listening to God’s Spirit and being sensitive to His leading. The needs of the preacher aren’t as important as the need that God is bringing to our attention at any one time.
Jesus looked at this woman, immediately saw her need and, in complete contrast to ‘normal behaviour’, actually called her to the front of the room. Instead of calming things down, He was actually seemingly adding to the distraction. Women had a place to sit in the synagogue and instead of following the convention, Jesus is ripping up the rule book and in plain sight of everyone ushers the lady forward. The woman may be quite self-conscious at this point as each eye follows her every step and yet she proceeds to follow the leading of the Master. If He asks her to walk to the front, then that’s exactly what she will do. Such faith.
Jesus’ words to her are full of tenderness and compassion. He speaks firmly with complete authority and I’m sure that the woman is thrilled at the most amazing words she’s heard. “Woman, you are set free…” Jesus puts His hands on her and immediately, she is healed. 18 years of bondage is now over because she responded to the call of God. She is free from the torment of being trapped in her situation. She in turn, immediately gives thanks to God. Whenever we’re touched by God’s grace our response should always be one of deep, deep gratitude. People in my work are always saying to me “Thank you”. How much more should we give our thanks to an amazing God who has called us, who has set us free and who has provided so much? My prayer today is that we all put ourselves in the right position to hear the voice of God and then respond in complete faith. Nothing is impossible with God!
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