Luke 13 - 4.19.24
Scripture: Luke 13:10-17 NIV
”On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 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. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.“
Observations:
The woman, who had been slumped over crippled for 18 years, still was faithful to go to the synagogue and worship God. When Jesus saw her he called her forward and told her she was set free. Then, he placed His hands on her and immediately she was healed! He took the time to touch her. She could have been healed by his words.
*Her first response was to praise God. Imagine how good it felt to physically do that!
When talking to the hypocrites, Jesus pointed out the details of her journey. Satan kept her bound for 18 years and the truth that the Sabbath is a fitting time to set someone free.
The opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted at the wonderful things God was doing.
Application:
What an example of faithfulness this woman had! She was faithful to come to God’s house and worship even though she was slumped over. I want to follow her example and keep pushing through, even when life happens. I need to keep in mind healing awaits. I may not see physical healing every time, but I cannot be in God’s presence with fellow believers and not be changed.
I also want my response to be praise to God first above phoning a friend or posting on social media. Yes, I can give God glory by doing those things, but I want my first reaction to be thanks to Him.
When God works people notice.
Prayer:
Father God,
You care so deeply about me and have planned what is best. Please help me be faithful when I don’t see answers yet. Show me how you want me to move just as you did and reach out to others.
Also Lord, I want to follow your example of not letting what boundaries man has set up stop me from impacting other’s lives. Keep my eyes open and help me look for the crossroads and opportunities you are presenting before me.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
