Look:
Psalm 91:4
Read:
‘On his return, Jesus was welcomed by a crowd. They were all there expecting him. A man came up, Jairus by name. He was president of the meeting place. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his home because his twelve-year-old daughter, his only child, was dying. Jesus went with him, making his way through the pushing, jostling crowd. In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When no one stepped forward, Peter said, “But Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands. Dozens have touched you.” Jesus insisted, “Someone touched me. I felt power discharging from me.” When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story—why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed. Jesus said, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!” While he was still talking, someone from the leader’s house came up and told him, “Your daughter died. No need now to bother the Teacher.” Jesus overheard and said, “Don’t be upset. Just trust me and everything will be all right.” Going into the house, he wouldn’t let anyone enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s parents. Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She didn’t die; she’s sleeping.” They laughed at him. They knew she was dead. Then Jesus, gripping her hand, called, “My dear child, get up.” She was up in an instant, up and breathing again! He told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were ecstatic, but Jesus warned them to keep quiet. “Don’t tell a soul what happened in this room.”’ – Luke 8:40-56
‘They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped in his tracks. “Call him over.” They called him. “It’s your lucky day! Get up! He’s calling you to come!” Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus. Jesus said, “What can I do for you?” The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “On your way,” said Jesus. “Your faith has saved and healed you.” In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.’ – Mark 10:46-52
Reflect
Is there anything you are holding onto that you want healing from, whether that be physical, mental or spiritual?
How will you reach out to Jesus, like the Lady in Luke or Bartimaeus?
Is there anything holding you back from reaching out to Jesus?
Respond
A little while ago Ed Rimmer shared a word at a gathering about being bold in this season. How will you be bold in responding to Jesus’ invitation to healing?
“Boldness.
God is doing a new thing. In fact He is doing many new things!
What He requires of us in this new season is new boldness. That is, a renewed trust in Him that goes beyond what we have ever known before. A faith that allows us to step up and stand above our fears.
We need renewed faith to worship Him with all that we are and all that we have.
We need renewed faith and stamina in prayer to persist and see His promises released.
We need boldness in sharing our stories of faith to those that don’t know about Jesus.
We need boldness that others will see as foolishness to leave jobs or start brand new projects. To trust God into the unknown as He leads.
We need boldness to trust for resources that will be required in this new season. Resources to build the things that he has already stirred our hearts about.
God is doing a new thing.
This is a tipping point season.
It is a renewing and an increasing of our faith that will tip the scales to see His Kingdom breaking out in new and surprising places.
Will you contend and trust Him to do this work in you and through you?
Will you ask Him for Boldness?”
