Reflecting God "The Least of These" The Global Church of the Nazarene for 8 January 2016 – Embrace Holy Living - Luke 8:40-56

Reflecting God "The Least of These" The Global Church of the Nazarene for 8 January 2016 – Embrace Holy Living - Luke 8:40-56RG AUDIO 010816

Luke 8:40 When Yeshua got back, the crowd welcomed him; for they were all expecting him. 41 Then there came a man named Ya’ir who was president of the synagogue. Falling at Yeshua’s feet, he pleaded with him to come to his house; 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old; and she was dying.

As he went, with the crowds on every side virtually choking him, 43 a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind him and touched the tzitzit on his robe; instantly her hemorrhaging stopped. 45 Yeshua asked, “Who touched me?” When they all denied doing it, Kefa said, “Rabbi! The crowds are hemming you in and jostling you!” 46 But Yeshua said, “Someone did touch me, because I felt power go out of me.” 47 Seeing she could not escape notice, the woman, quaking with fear, threw herself down before him and confessed in front of everyone why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 He said to her, “My daughter, your trust has saved you; go in peace.”

49 While Yeshua was still speaking, a man came from the synagogue president’s house. “Your daughter has died,” he said. “Don’t bother the rabbi any more.” 50 But on hearing this, Yeshua answered him, “Don’t be afraid! Just go on trusting, and she will be made well.” 51 When he arrived at the house, he didn’t allow anyone to go in with him except Kefa, Yochanan, Ya‘akov and the child’s father and mother 52 All the people were wailing and mourning for her; but he said, “Don’t weep; she hasn’t died, she’s sleeping.” 53 They jeered at him, since they knew she had died. 54 But he took her by the hand, called out, “Little girl, get up!” 55 and her spirit returned. She stood up at once, and he directed that something be given her to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

"The Least of These" by Author: Gary Shank
They came from opposite ends of the cultural spectrum. An esteemed ruler of the synagogue, Jairus could pull strings, make introductions, and advance careers. Then there was a woman, her condition made her untouchable, one who should be quarantined rather than in a crowd risking contact and the contamination of others. As a woman in the ancient Near East, she had little power or pull; she was simply a nameless individual with a disease that stripped her of everything. Yet, both sought healing from Jesus.
Pressed by the crowd, Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” Horrified at being discovered, the woman cowered, humiliated by her offense and condition. Then, Jesus addressed her as a human being, elevating her status beyond anything she had hoped for. It was important to Jesus that He continue to the home of Jairus, but not before offering mercy, compassion, and hope to “one of the least of these.”
Both Jairus and the woman had their needs met. For each, the requirement was the same: Believe and have faith in the One called Jesus.
Hymn for Today: "He Will Carry Me lyrics" by Mark Schultz

1. I call, You hear me

I've lost it all

And it's more then I can bear

I feel so empty

2. You're strong, I'm weary

I'm holding on

But I feel like giving in

But still You're with me

(Pre-chorus and Chorus)

And even though I'm walking

Through the valley of the shadow

I will hold tight to the hand of Him

Whose love will comfort me

And when all hope is gone

And I've been wounded in the battle

He is all the strength that I will ever need

He will carry me

3. I know I'm broken

But You alone

Can mend this heart of mine

You're always with me

(Pre-chorus and Chorus)

And even though I'm walking

Through the valley of the shadow

I will hold tight to the hand of Him

Whose love will comfort me

And when all hope is gone

And I've been wounded in the battle

He is all the strength that I will ever need

He will carry me

He will carry me

[Bridge:]

And even though I feel so lonely

Like I have never been before

You never said it would be easy

But You said You'd see me through the storm

(Pre-chorus and Chorus)

And even though I'm walking

Through the valley of the shadow

I will hold tight to the hand of Him

Whose love will comfort me

And when all hope is gone

And I've been wounded in the battle

He is all the strength that I will ever need

He will carry me

He will carry me

He will carry me

Thought for Today:
"Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened." Luke 8:56.
Please pray:

For the healing power of God to reach down and heal people of their lives illnesses and hurts.
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