If I only … Part 2

The response to the good news that the woman with an issue of blood received with regard to her health was spontaneous. She made it her duty to look for this man and never rested until she found Him. All she had determined in her heart to do was to simply touch His garment (clothes) and receive her healing. It was going to be an ‘anonymous’ touch – one that Jesus would not even be aware of.

She never doubted He could do it when she emitted the wish, ‘If I only could have a chance. Just one touch of His garment and I will be made whole.’ She took that chance and was made whole. So she sneaked behind Jesus when the people had become so numerous, and seized her opportunity. Instantly, her bleeding ceased and bingo! She got what she hoped for.

As she prepared to walk away in jubilation, she heard a voice say; “Who touched my clothes?” That confounded her all the more. How could the Master have asked such a question with this multitude of people around, His disciples questioned Him? But Jesus insisted because He had felt the impact of her touch on His being – some kind of short-circuiting as the healing power (which He did not provoke) left Him. She confessed that she was the one and Jesus encouraged her with these words: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

You could imagine that woman saying to herself, ‘if only I had known this earlier, my suffering would have been grossly curtailed.’ If she did she would have been speaking from hindsight. If I had this information earlier it would have made all the difference.

Well, you have this good news now, what are you going to do with it? Act on it fast, or take your time to digest it?  Jesus is the King over all kings. He is the Lord over all lords. (1Timothy 6:15) He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 1:8) He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6) The Messiah, the Anointed One. (John 1.41) He is the only mediator between God and human beings. (John 14:6) What do you say to that?

The three sages (wise men) who followed the sign of the star announcing the virgin birth came all the way from the east. They were pagans but they left all they were doing because the star presaged a special event – the birth of the Messiah. They did not procrastinate; they headed for Jerusalem and enquired: “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)

These three astrologers came from distant lands in search of a baby king. They were not believers but they were capable of interpreting the stars and they had come to worship Him. They brought with them gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. This event took place in Bethlehem, the city of David, as had been predicted by the prophet Micah. “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” (Micah 5:2) Thus, “the word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:4) The role of the three sages was capital in announcing the virgin birth and in the spread of the good news. 

God can use any instrument to get His work done, irrespective of what we think or feel about it. He did not only use these three wise men to broadcast the good news, He equally used a host of angels to announce the good news to some shepherds. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you:” (Luke 2:10-11) After the departure of the angels, the shepherds conferred: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us.” (Luke 2:15)

God had put into motion a machinery for disclosing this good news to the specific people – to those who would believe and not doubt. The shepherds left voluntarily to arm themselves with more information about this great event. God had put a lid on all speculation when through His prophet Amos He had declared: “The days are coming when I will send a famine through the land – not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11)

From that time on God’s lips were sealed. Little was known about the advent of the Messiah apart from what is gleaned from the prophet Isaiah. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The message of the incarnation – God becoming flesh and living among us - has been preached over the ages, and is constantly being renewed to portray God’s love for His creation. God wants all of His children to see the light so that “there will be no more gloom.” Some two thousand years ago, a great light appeared to illuminate the world and rid it of its darkness. The prophet Isaiah renders it thus: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:1-2)

As we celebrate the coming of the Saviour of the world, let us not lose sight of the reason He came – to save sinners. (Matthew 1:21) Need help? Jesus is on a rescue mission.