A devotion for July 1, 2012, based on Mark 5:21–43.
O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me. (Psalm 30:2)
There was a woman who bled for 12 years. She had spent all that she had; she had endured all that she could. Defined by her illness and excluded because of it, she was alone and oh, so tired.
There was a 12-year-old girl, next to death. Her parents can’t stand it. If she dies, they wonder, how can we live?
There was Jesus.
Blessed with the courage of nothing left to lose, the woman dared to reach out and touch Jesus’ clothes. She knows she is healed.
Graced with the humility of knowing there was nothing more he could do, the father begs Jesus for help. After the father learns his daughter has died and believes there is no hope, Jesus goes with him. Jesus touches the girl’s hand and restores her life. “Give her something to eat,” says Jesus (Mark 21:43).
The woman, the little girl and the little girl’s parents have their lives back. Now what?
The restored ones know they have received undeserved, amazing grace. They are humbled to be part of a miracle, knowing others more faithful and more deserving who are not cured. And while they resisted the temptation to blame God for illness, they are now compelled to praise and thank God for healing. With fear and trembling, they believe they are alive for a reason.
Gratefully aware of their new life, the restored ones know their remaining days are numbered. They try live each day as though it is their last.
We are all restored ones. We have all received undeserved, amazing grace. We all have been given new life. Our days are numbered, let us live them joyfully and gratefully.
