When Jesus walked this earth, His glory was largely concealed and dressed in a human frame. On one occasion He sensed His power being directed to a woman in need. She demonstrated great faith and perseverance to press through the throng of people surrounding Him.
And she thought if she got close enough to touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed. Yet her silent, almost stealthy act drew public attention. It literally stopped Jesus in His tracks as He paused to ask who had touched Him.
The bewildered disciples scratched their heads in response. Because it seemed a strange question to ask when a great crowd encircled and pressed into them on every side. How do you answer it?
When God’s healing glory entered this story
Jesus gently drew this woman out. She stepped forward, probably trembling with fear, maybe expecting to be reprimanded for her audacious act. Although Jesus did not intend to rebuke her. Rather, He commended her for her faith, a faith that had made her well after many years of suffering.
“In the crowd was a woman who had been sick for twelve years with a haemorrhage. She had suffered much from many doctors through the years and had become poor from paying them, and was no better but, in fact, was worse. She had heard all about the wonderful miracles Jesus did, and that is why she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his clothes. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his clothing, I will be healed.’ And sure enough, as soon as she had touched him, the bleeding stopped and she knew she was well!”
Uncleanliness meets with grace
Under the law, this woman was considered unclean for her issue of blood. These rules and restrictions reveal her great faith and courage in even walking out in public. It was remarkable enough, never mind her touching Jesus’ clothing. What an amazing example for us! And under grace, Jesus lovingly turns to her and calls her “Daughter.”
God’s greatest gift to us is to be covered by His glory and grace, and given a new robe of righteousness. We are invited into His family as His beloved, adopted sons and daughters through Christ.
And we are referred to as the Body of Christ on earth. We’re also the temple where Holy Spirit dwells. Scripture suggests this is our new identity in Christ.
Could it be that we are continually being filled with the glory of God? Might the train of His robe be ever-present to us and those we interact with? And how might it be seen in us?
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
What this means for us today
As you and I go about our daily lives, we are grace carriers, hope bearers, holy joy and truth sharers, and faith witnesses for Jesus. Those we encounter will also encounter Christ in us. The power to heal and help is available to us. We are the hem of holy royalty’s robe spreading out to a hurting world.
It sounds quite lofty and daunting, doesn’t it? However, the power to do those things is entirely God-given, fuelled and inspired by the Holy Spirit. He is the enabler of our walk of faith and the guide we need for all our days. Because God’s glory lives within our hearts. It makes itself manifest to others as we live out our lives and faithfully serve Him.
A prayer of praise and presence
Let us pray…
Father God,
We give you glory and praise for all you are and all you mean to us. Thank you for sending Jesus and for graciously allowing us to be participators of His glory and grace as we live out our ordinary days. Help us sense the comfort of your presence in the everyday, and grant us the desire to make it known to others. Although we might feel totally inadequate for the task, may we rest in the full provision and equipping you have given us in Christ. May we live out our lives with increasing sensitivity to Holy Spirit’s guidance within. And may we discover the privilege and joy of being your disciples in a needy world.
Amen
Words of Joy 
Oh Dear Joy I loved these words and these questions especially: “Could it be that we are continually being filled with the glory of God? Might the train of His robe be ever-present to us and those we interact with? And how might it be seen in us?” Yes, may I ponder these thoughts with Jesus, and let Him show me the truth of how He is ever-present here in all of His glory. He is so amazing to call us His own. Love & hugs dear friend. xoxo
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Dear Bettie, it’s something that needs a bit of pondering, doesn’t it? I don’t pretend to have the answers but I can speak out of my own experience with God. And my heart says amen to allowing Jesus to “show me the truth of how He is ever-present here in all of His glory.” What an amazing thought it is and such a great hope to us, especially in our times of weariness, pain and darkness. Love and hugs to you too, dear friend! xoxo 💜
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I always love the story of that woman, Joy. Oh, how we need that healing glory day by day! And I truly long to be one of the “grace carriers, hope bearers, holy joy and truth sharers, and faith witnesses for Jesus.” I love how you word that. And AMEN! to “May we live out our lives with increasing sensitivity to Holy Spirit’s guidance within.” Love and blessings to you!
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Me, too, Trudy. It gives hope to all who live with intractable chronic health problems and need to believe that healing, whether full of partial, is possible for them. All because nothing is impossible for God. And this courageous woman’s story sheds light on His compassion, mercy and grace. My friend, you already are one of those witnesses I mentioned. It’s clearly evident in the words you share, the grace and compassion in your heart toward others and the way you always point them to the hope we have in Christ. I believe you are also quite sensitive and in tune with Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding in your life. But we can pray to be more attuned to His voice and more aware of God’s presence in our everyday lives. Love, hugs and blessings to you! xo 💜
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Good morning Joy, what encouragement here this morning. “We are the hem of holy rotalty’s robe spreading out to a hurting world”. I need to walk and pray, listen as He orders my steps today. May God shine upon you, Joy.
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Good afternoon, Julie! It’s a joy to see you here. Once again we are spending time at one another’s websites! I’m so glad you’ve been encouraged and inspired. Your decision to “walk and pray, listen as He orders my steps today” are wise words for me too. Thank you for being here and adding your own insightful thoughts. May God give you His rest, joy and peace in the days ahead. 💜
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You are so welcome dear sister. My walk was fruitful. Now it is up to me to stay focused. Thank you for this blessing of rest, joy and peace. I pray the same in abundance for you.
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Oh good! I’m so pleased your walk was fruutful. Any walking I do usually takes place indoors but it’s still fruitful to sit and listen. Time apart, coupled with silence and stillness are great vehicles for helping us to hear God’s voice, aren’t they? 💟🌼
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“Because God’s glory lives within our hearts. It makes itself manifest to others as we live out our lives and faithfully serve Him.” Yes, it’s only in His strength that we are able to share His glory. Amen, to your prayer! Thank you so much for your encouragement today. Love, hugs and blessings to you, dear Joy! xo
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How grateful I am for the strength God provides for us to carry out His mission on earth! It’s hard to see or sense God’s glory in ourselves but He gives us the ability to trace it in others. May that glory and grace continue to shine brightly in you, dear Gayl. Blessings, love and hugs to you too! xo 💜
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