In Luke 13:10-13 there is a wonderful story told that speaks to me every time I read it. It is a story about a woman who had an encounter with Jesus. I can imagine it was another Sabbath day, just like so many others. And, as this woman opened her eyes, she had no idea this would be the day that changed her life. She likely groaned as she twisted her crooked body to get out of bed. She may have even thought as many of us do… “I wish I could just stay home today, but it is the Sabbath.”
As she stood, if you can call it that, she was in for another day of looking down at the dirt packed floor, dusty gravel roads, and the mud-caked feet of those who would pass her by. She had been crippled for 18 years, bent over an infirmity that tortured her day and night. It probably didn’t come on all at once, but progressed through the years as if someone were laying bricks on the back of her neck, one-by-one, day-by-day. Her back began to slowly bend under the invisible weight. Now her spine was parallel to the floor and only a hump remained where her strong back had been.
“Feet,… I am so tired of looking at feet.” she thought to herself. “But at least I can see. I can hear. I can speak. I do have much to be thankful for. So today, I go to the synagogue to worship.” She slipped sandals on her feet, and began her shuffle to the temple. Her bent frame prohibited her from looking up, so she couldn’t see his face, but she knew the person who stood to speak was not the usual teacher. This was the teacher and healer everyone was talking about. It’s Jesus!
Jesus began to teach. He spoke with authority and compassion. He explained spiritual truths with everyday stories that made his teaching come alive. She silently prayed,…“Oh I wish I could see his face.” And, no sooner had the words raced across her mind, when Jesus stopped. She could not see him,…but he could see her. The Bible says He called her to him. The woman next to her probably said something like, “Girl…he’s looking right at you!” Unsure of exactly what she should do and after a few moments of internal struggle, faith overcame fear, and the woman was out of her seat, and every eye was on her as she slowly shuffled forward. The other women quietly admired her courage while the men glared at her audacity…women were not to be so bold as to step in the men’s place in front of the teacher.
After her painful and struggling walk, she finally faced Jesus, who bent down, placed his hand on the mountain that had become this woman’s back and leveled the land. She felt warmth surge through her frozen muscles as years of stiffness melted away. Then Jesus pulled her to full attention. For the first time in eighteen years, her crooked spine stood straight! Jesus said, “Woman, you are free from your infirmity.” Her infirmity was gone! And she rose to look into the eyes of the One who had set her free. Tears of joy flooded her cheeks, and she twirled around and raised her hands in praise to God! She laughed, and others rejoiced with her! She no longer had to feel like the dirt she was forced to stare at day in and day out. She was free!
Dear Lord, thank you for calling us out of the darkness and hopelessness of our infirmities…our sin…to receive healing! Thank You Lord, for noticing me, loving me, calling me, and using me to bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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