When I was about 12 years old, I became very ill, in fact I was dying.
My father, an official in our local synagogue, heard Jesus was in the area. He left to ask Jesus to come to our home. He found Jesus in a large crowd, and desperation coloring his voice, asked Jesus to come heal me. Luke 8:41-42
I was near death and my mother was with me. Many people were in our home.
My mother became concerned and even anxious… what was keeping the men?! Where were they? I was dying!
Later, we learned that a woman touched Jesus’ robe and was healed from hemorrhaging. Her faith healed her. My father could remember the very words Jesus said to that woman who delayed them coming. “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Luke 8:43-48
What was happening to me? I died. My mother was distraught. It was too late. She sent my father a message: “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” Luke 8:49
My broken-hearted father heard the message … and so did Jesus! In fact, Jesus said an amazing thing to my dad. “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” Luke 8:50
Jesus limited who came into my room. The mourners in the house knew I died and even laughed at Jesus when He told them, I was not dead, but sleeping. Luke 8:52-53
Jesus allowed my parents and three of His disciples to come to my bedside. Luke 8:51
He took my hand and He spoke two words. “Child, arise!” Luke 8:54
I heard the love in Jesus’ voice. I felt His loving touch on my hand. With those words, I immediately sat up in bed.
Jesus knew I needed food for at least two reasons:
I was hungry! And proof was needed that I was physically alive.
Luke 8:55
Jesus healed me!
You can call out to Jesus as my dad did, ask Jesus for healing. Jesus listens! He will respond.
~ Take it to heart ~
“Seek the LORD while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let him return to the LORD,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God.”
(NASB) Isaiah 55:6-7