Matthew 9:21-22
The Scripture for today is Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22 For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned about, and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Desperation often leads people to do unusual and even courageous things. The woman in our text today was in such a place. She was sick with uncontrollable bleeding with no remedy in sight. She had exhausted all human resources and spent all of her money, to no avail. Her "unclean" condition did not allow her to mingle with people in public. She had no one to embrace her and give her comfort. She was desperate; she needed divine intervention or she would surely die in this deplorable condition. Her only hope was Jesus. She decided to find Him and seek help from the source that she was convinced was able to provide a remedy for her pain and suffering. She did not approach Him wishing and hoping; she approached him with great faith. "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." Matthew 9:21 She did not want to embarrass the Master nor draw attention to herself. She knew that she was not allowed to touch His person but she also knew that it would be unnecessary for her to do that. She only wanted to touch the "hem" of His garment, to come up from behind and get just a small touch at the very bottom of His robe. That would be enough to provide all that she needed. She knew that the power of God, the Creator of all things, was flowing through Christ. She knew that His power was so great that it would only take a small touch to free her from her bondage of suffering and distress. Jesus recognized that touch. He may not have acknowledged all of those who were bumping into Him, crowding Him out of curiosity or just following the crowd, but He recognized that small touch of faith. Her faith put a demand on His power; the source was contacted by the receiver and the transfer of power was made. Jesus turned to see where this faith request had come from and when He saw the woman, He did not rebuke her, He blessed her.
Just like this woman, we have needs that can only be met through contact with the Savior. It is not necessary for us to be in the public eye or noteworthy to gain His attention. All that is required is that we come to Him in faith, believing that what is promised in His Word, He will do. "There is virtue in everything that belongs to Christ...Such a fullness of grace is there in Christ, that from it we may all receive." Matthew Henry
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim