April 22, 2018 - - Luke 13:10-11

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.

Luke 13:10-11 ESV

This is a text I have posted before. It is so powerful to read. This woman did not let her real, painful, physical condition keep her from worship. It moves me, as one who struggles with depression. There are many times I just don't want to see people. Crowds overwhelm me. I am afraid to answer the simple question: how are you today? All I want to do is stay in bed, in a darkened room, listlessly. But this passage inspires me.

Before she knew Jesus would be there at worship, she was prepared to go to worship God her Father.

Before she knew Jesus would heal her, she had determined the most important thing in her life was to praise God, no matter the cost.

Before she knew Jesus would show His great compassion, rather than offering her body as an instrument of unrighteousness, despair, she offered her broken body as an instrument of righteousness unto God.

As each Sabbath approached, for the eighteen years prior to this one, she had prepared the day before so that she would get herself to the Synagogue, doing so with no other purpose than bringing to God the honour due His Name.

Forgive me Father in heaven, for the paucity of my faith. Forgive me Father in heaven for the times I will succumb to whatever struggle I have rather than taking the time to submit my struggle to You in the context of worship. Whether or not You heal me mentally or physically, You are great and the Source of all good. I know that in Jesus Christ, I have the greatest healing imaginable--my sins are forgiven. I know, not I feel, but I stretch out my heart and mind to know by the promise of Your Holy Scripture that the Spirit is the guarantee of my eternal inheritance until I take possession of it, to the praise of His glory. Thank You for the example of the saints who have gone before, whose faith inspires me to hold onto Your promises, of Faithful God. At the same time, help me, this Sunday, to attend church with an ever greater awareness that there are others around me who will present themselves well, but are likely struggling with pains I know nothing about. Blessed be Your Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.