Shoes and Issues

Scripture Reference: Luke 8:43-47 

The woman with the secret issue (uniquely feminine, intimate, and personal) was also afflicted in public ways. She was unable to be with her family, friends, go into the marketplace, or worship in the synagogue. This scripture highlights her in a way that can seem to exclude the male populous. Let us look deeper.

JESUS' gift to heal and redeem us is not gender specific. Consider the way life has emasculated men and promoted a blurred identity. Too frequently men equate their strength with an outward show of masculinity, coital prowess, well-managed power, and financial acumen. No matter how much a man may do to proclaim and prove himself he may still feel powerless and without influence. 

There is healing for the “shoes” of every man. The love of JESUS dries up the bleeding identity of man that agenda driven liberties and skewed social norms have promoted. The love of JESUS stops the incessant hemorrhage of the soul that cannot do enough to prove the measure of a man. Where there has been emasculation and crushing of the testament to GOD’s greatness within men, JESUS gives new meaning to manhood. JESUS redeems the identity of man because HE is the Second Adam who restores man and woman to who we are created to be. This is salvation. This is true liberty that is not legislated in nor voted out.

At the precise moment the woman makes physical contact with the hem of JESUS' garment HE speaks loud enough to be heard by the crowd around HIM.

JESUS asked, “Who touched me?” 

                 (Reminding me of GOD calling to Adam in the Garden, “Where are you?”)

Just as GOD knew what Adam had done in the Garden, GOD's question is stated so that every individual can speak the truth about their circumstance, sin, "shoes" and issues, and be restored to GOD. 

JESUS knew exactly who touched HIM. 

The question, "Who touched me?" provided exposure of a most public and confrontational kind. Although the woman may have been afraid to admit that she touched JESUS she is relieved to be instantly exposed and healed. A private healing would not have been enough to free her from the public infirmity of living 12 years just out of reach of her family and all social contact. Her open and revealing confession before JESUS and the crowd that stood watching meant that everyone could attest to her miracle of healing. Her willingness to be exposed changed everything for her. She lost the grim untouchable and unclean labels and social isolation. She would be warmed and welcomed by all who witnessed her miracle. 

The crowd and happy gossips were her witness. She could go to the priest and offer a sacrifice. She was restored to her family and welcomed into her community. 

This woman was restored from her uncleanness like a leper from their sores. JESUS speaks comforting words to her about faith, wholeness, and peace.

“Woman, your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.” Scripture Reference: Luke 8:48

Her physical healing manifested other proofs of healing in her life. She was restored to purpose and a new identity since she was healed by JESUS. Healing has no gender. Brother and sister JESUS can heal you of your issues because we all wear “shoes!” Something has gone wrong inside of man and woman. Sin causes a hemorrhage and blood-loss because sin always causes death. Sin always causes a break between us and GOD. Sin always creates a breakdown in our community of family, friends, and faith.

Recognize that JESUS was on HIS way to heal someone else when HE made time to heal this woman who needed healing desperately. JESUS sees you and HE is ready, able, willing, and present to heal you today.

The diabolical death-inducing sting of sin is that we are born into it. The triad of our being (body, mind, soul/spirit) is tainted because we inherited our sin nature from our First parents in the Garden countless years ago. 

For the one who shakes their head wearily because no validation or acclaim is enough JESUS' love and acceptance heals you. For the one who has been broken by the weight of expectations, weary of the insatiable “should” and “they”, JESUS' love and acceptance heals you.

JESUS is the healer whose touch can end the internal bleeding within you. Sick thoughts. Sick ideas. Sick attitudes. Sick habits that cause death to your body. Sick actions that destroy peace in your mind. Sick actions that take you further and further from life and peace with GOD. JESUS can heal you today.  JESUS’ healing touch redeems us from bondage to darkness and brings us into freedom, light, and life. 

JESUS’ healing touch will transfuse us with faith in HIM. Faith to believe HIM. Faith to live in HIM. 

Reach out to Jesus.

He is reaching out to you.

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

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