Sunday, August 4: She straightened up and praised God

Read Luke 13:10-13

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.

Reflect

This might seem like an unlikely healing. It's the Sabbath and Jesus has been criticized before for healing on the Sabbath. The woman's ailment is not life-threatening. Healing could surely wait till another day. But this disfigurement, brought on by demonic activity, touches Jesus' heart. He sets her free from her crippling deformity and her demon possession. His love won't wait.

Respond

Lord Jesus, you are more anxious to meet our needs than we are even to ask. We too seek healing and freedom on many levels. Put your hands on us just as you touched this unknown woman. May our response mirror hers as she straightened up and praised God. Amen.

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