Identity.
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We are introduced to her in scripture as a woman with an “issue”.
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This woman had been desperately seeking help for her “issue” for twelve years. But then, she hears reports about Jesus. He’s addressing “issues” with his authority and healing every one of them.
Who is this healer? She just wants to get into proximity of him. She knows her “issue” is so big that it has defined her and so bad that no human has been able to help. She is used to hiding behind the disappointment & shame of it. She’s so used to being labeled by it, not seen or known for who she really is.
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Perhaps this is why she came up behind Jesus. She didn’t need more attention.
She just needed to be well.
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I can relate to that. Can you?
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She reaches for him.
She touches the fringe of his robe.
Her “issue” leaves in his presence.
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Wow.
End of story… ?
No!
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Jesus doesn’t just leave it at her physical healing. He wants to restore her to complete wholeness.
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He turns around and sees this fearful, trembling woman, fully aware of what had just happened to her and now vulnerable and fully exposed.
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He sees her.
He already knows her.
He created her.
And he knows that she will need a TRUE identity to wear and move forward from this moment.
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He addresses her as “Daughter”.
This is a name of position over issue.
It signifies family, belonging, being known & loved.
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It was her “issue” that kept her hiding in a false identity. It was her desperation that brought her to him. It was her faith that allowed her to soak up his healing power.
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But it was this new name that shifted her positionally. He restored her to her truest identity of “Daughter”.
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He replaced her rags with riches.
This is when peace came in like a flood and her new life began.
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Man will try to define us by our "issues". I don’t know what yours are - but they are not your true identity. And they are not mine, either.
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Jesus doesn’t define us by our “issues”.
He defines us by His love ...
and our ability to receive his love.
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As you touch the “fringe” on your Bible, imagine letting whatever “issue” that has defined you soak in to the tassel - and in exchange, a release of your position and true identity. .
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“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Matthew 9:22
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