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)
Scoliosis is the most common medical condition causing permanent spine bending and severe pain. My dear mother-in-law suffered from it. Despite her pain, she welcomed guests into her home, worked out at a gym, and swam. She wrote a newspaper article on healthy eating and even ran races into her sixties. She never considered herself a victim and rarely complained. She always stood tall even though she couldn’t. This woman Jesus healed reminds me of her.
Luke pointed out she was crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. Most likely she had the medical condition since she was young and it progressed. Luke, our doctor, would have known that, so I think he spoke of the spirit of shame people inflict on us. Petty people made fun of her and we’ll see tomorrow the temple leader treated her with disdain. Even though their sins punished her, she didn’t consider herself a victim. If she had, she would’ve stayed home complaining.
Jesus admired her as he admires all who are conquerors. He chose her for healing and asked her to step forward, treating her with dignity. In verse 16, he called her a daughter of Abraham, indicating she was deserving. He touched her, indicating he felt compassion. Jesus could’ve healed her from afar but didn’t because her life was worthy of distinction. He doesn’t want us to claim victimhood. He wants us to stand tall. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us … (nothing) in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)
(Note: this verse isn’t about those who have been mentally or physically abused. Always seek God and the medical help He provides. It’s always possible to be a conqueror.)
Father God, thank you for this scripture prompting me to treat everyone with dignity as Jesus did. Keep the spirit of shame, more crippling than disease, away from me and my family. Help me to be a victor not a victim because nothing can separate me from Your love. Remind me to stand tall because I’m your child. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
This is very touching and touched my heart. People that go through something terrible, like your mother-in-law, with a chronic and debilitating disease, often succumb to the pain and the emotional aspect of the disease. It is so hard to conquer something like this and not be a victim. This also reminds me of my husband, who continually digresses with his disease and rarely complains.
You are right. Your husband is a very sweet man and a good example of not seeking victimhood. He is quick to apologize. He has been through a lot and I have seen him grow throughout my life. I admire him for many things. I am sure he will appear in one of my devotionals some day.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or
did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back
as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to
know where u got this from. cheers
Cheers and thanks for your encouragement. I had help from a website designer, Brian Kraft. I highly recommend him, and he’s very affordable. I prayed for you and your family. Blessings, Jody