Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter; be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” Matthew 9:18-26
What brings you encouragement today? It’s February, technically, still winter and Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow. However, here on my street we are beginning to see signs of spring. The beautiful Japanese magnolias are in full bloom. The daffodils and crocuses are up, vibrant with color. The weeping willows that blow in the breeze outside my office window have a glimmer of chartreuse dangling from every branch. The maple trees in my neighbor’s yard have those pretty little red buds showing hope of blossoming very soon. The sun is shining brightly this morning, the birds are singing and the weatherman says it’s going to be in the 70’s all week long!!
These signs of new life, give me great encouragement that the grey, dreary days of winter are almost over.
I was reading Matthew this morning and I couldn’t help but see the parallel with the leader of the synagogue and the woman with the hemorrhage. Remember, the leader of the synagogue’s daughter had just died and he knew that Jesus could bring her back to life. He had faith in Christ’s resurrection power even before the resurrection.
So Jesus and his disciples were heading to this official’s home when a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years – TWELVE YEARS! – came up behind him and touched the fringe of His robe. “For she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
Both people in this passage were experiencing death. The leader’s daughter had died. The woman was slowly dying (the life is in the blood). Winter had set in their souls and they were hopeless. Except for Jesus. The Son of God who brings new life. The Light of the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit they were drawn to Him through faith. And He healed them.
Whatever winter you are going through, “Daughter; be encouraged!” Jesus promises us new life. Eternal life. We live in the days of the resurrection. Easter isn’t coming, it already came! Jesus died on the cross for us. He paid the wage for our sins; death. He conquered the grave so that you and I can live in perpetual springtime. New life. From glory to glory. Ever-blooming, being transformed into His likeness. Spring eternal.
Are you walking in the winter of hopelessness? Turn your eyes upon Jesus and let His Light heal you and give you eternal new life in Him.
“Daughter; be encouraged!”
His servant and yours,
Paula Nelson