First Things First
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on a Sabbath day. (Luke 13:10) That element is very important in this bibliography of Jesus.
(NASB) Luke 13:11-13 “And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all.
12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your sickness.’
13 And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.”
Jesus saw the underlying cause for this woman who was bent double from a sickness caused by an evil spirit. First, He freed her from such bondage. Then, He healed her body.
First things first!
What is causing a problem for you? Perhaps it is a physical illness, or a business problem, perhaps a problem with another (or others); it could be an internal problem in your job, in your church and/or in your family.
Where are the answers to your problems and your real needs? (You may have “wants” and call them “needs”.)
The answer to most problems in our lives is found in Whom, the Lord Jesus Christ.
First things first…underlying many problems is the spiritual aspect in which we must receive freedom from bondage.
Before Jesus heals whatever needs healing in our lives, He deals first with the spiritual aspect. Where do you need to be freed, to have spiritual renewal and healing? Only in and through Jesus can you be truly healed. Only in and through Jesus can you or I be freed from being doubled over with anxiety, anger, and/or apathy.
First things first…you and I need to go to Jesus to be freed from whatever is causing us to be bent double. Perhaps you are just getting to that point of being bent double, or perhaps you have been bent over double for many years.
First things first…now, now, is the time to be freed by Jesus.
What are some things we learn about Jesus from this situation? (You may find more.)
Jesus had compassion on the woman and called her to Himself (He wants you to respond to Him also).
Jesus freed that woman (He wants to free you also).
Jesus healed that woman (He wants to heal you also).
The following is a prayer you may want to use as a springboard for your own prayer:
First things first…‘Come Lord Jesus, I want to glorify You today as that woman did in that synagogue on a long ago Sabbath day.
Praise to You God…to glorify (honor and worship) You with thanksgiving and praise!
In the name of Jesus, my Savior Who frees me and heals me! Amen!’