In season three of The Chosen, they introduce a character that I think we all just quickly pass by without really thinking about how dire her situation really was. I am talking about the person often referred to as “the woman with the bleeding disease.” You can find her story here: Mark 5:25-34. In Day 14 titled “Desperate Things,” the authors remind us that it has been 12 years since she has been suffering, and no doctor, no prayers, no nothing has helped her in any way. As a matter of fact, it only left her in a more desperate situation. Then the authors list a whole bunch of physical problems that would have accompanied such an illness, “… fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness or yellowing of the skin, dizziness, faintness, and heart irregularity.” (p68) They also mention that the bleeding was only a symptom of “…some other awful ailment [that] was lurking beneath the surface.” (p69) It was a wonder that she was out in public at all, since the physical exertion must have been awful. Yet desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
Sadly, her problems did not stop there. On top of all the physical problems came the emotional, mental and relational sufferings as well. The authors say, “No doubt she had emotionally deteriorated as well, especially, considering Jewish women living under Levitical law in the first century were considered unclean during menstruation. There was little understanding of germs and viruses in the ancient world, and even fewer medical treatments. But they did know diseases could be spread through blood and other bodily discharges, so the safest thing for a menstruating woman to do was to quarantine for seven days out of an abundance of caution to protect herself, her family, and her community.” (p69) Jesus was this woman’s last ditch effort…and by the Grace of God, she never gave up, and Jesus did not quickly pass her by.
While we might not have as desperate a story as hers, we can learn that God wants us to do all we can to heal any hurt we may be experiencing too. Yet, the best thing we can do is reach out to Jesus the way this woman did. Despite the crowd. In spite of the past failed attempts. She kept on believing and kept on seeking this Traveling Preacher. And her Faith did not disappoint. Jesus did not only heal her body that day. Jesus restored her back to her family, friends and community. But even more importantly, Jesus took her desperate earthly thing and turned it into an encounter that would open up the gates of Heaven for her. The authors remind us that, “It was her desperate thing that led her to Him, and likely kept her following all the way to heaven where desperate things will be no more.” (p70) God will allow what He must allow, and for however long He must allow it, because He has His sights set in Heaven, and He desires for our eyes to be fixed there as well.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
