Spiritual Freedom Versus Physical Freedom

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Luke 13:10-13

this story caught me off guard. maybe it is because i have been reading from 'A Godward Life' by John Piper this morning. the specific excerpt i read from that book had to deal with our compassion to others, and what we do with our few days on earth. john commented that he wished we had more than one life so that we could fulfill all the desires of our hearts. in any case, this story left me praising God for who He is and the compassion He has on His people.

first off, Jesus is hanging out at church on the sabbath. well, i normally hang out at church on sunday, so i guess we have something in common. i teach Sunday School for the combined sr. and jr. high youth. Jesus too was teaching Truth to others. there was a woman there who had a crippling disability. we have some of those in our congregation.

then comes the divide between Jesus's story and mine. Jesus knew that this particular God-fearing woman had been held captive by a demon for 18 years. how often do i see disabilties as spiritual battles? i've been to some healing services, but i don't think this woman came forward to be anointed with holy oil in order for her to be healed. she may not have even known why Jesus had called her forward. she simply, in faith, came to Him. i can only imagine her expression when Jesus told her that she had been set free from this ailment. maybe she doubted. you see, there was a moment in between when Jesus said she was healed and when He placed His hands on her. if only i could know her thoughts in that moment. i bet she was thrilled, scared, anxious, etc. but then, with one touch of the Master's hands, she straightens her back after 18 years. i bet her praise to God was pretty incredible. i know she had come to worship in the synagogue, but just imagine the change in worship from when she entered the building to when Jesus touched her. that is transformation!

Jesus,
i know that You still touch lives. You still have the same power to release captives from the grip of satan. i know You still care for Your people the same way You did while You were in that synagogue. Jesus, i love You, and i praise You that You have set me free from the yoke of slavery of sin. Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging. Jesus, please open my eyes to see the spiritual battles raging among Your kids. Jesus, i pray that You would equip me to be a tool used for releasing captives. to You be the praise and glory and honor and power for ever and ever.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Beth *Ashton *Deanna