Spoken For

And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” (Mark 5:30, ESV). 

In Mark 5, we see Jesus on his way to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter.  Along the way there is this unnamed woman who has been suffering from bleeding for twelve years.  According to Leviticus law, due to her illness she would have been considered unclean (Leviticus 15:25).  And unclean people were to be separated from the others.  Basically she would have been quarantined and if she did go anywhere she would have to announce, she is unclean.  Chances are not many would go near her for fear of becoming unclean themselves.

I can’t even imagine having that announcement, that introduction. You know when you have a cold and warn everyone in advance don’t touch me I’m sick, I have a cold!  Or parents when they know someone has some highly contagious disease and they pull their kids away from that person for fear of contamination.  Twelve years that was her life.  Not only suffering physically, also emotionally it had to be depleting.  Realistically she probably felt unworthy and unlovable living a life of shame and rejection.  Until one day she had heard about Jesus and figured if she could just touch his garments she could be made well.  And so that is exactly what she did.  In the midst of a crowd she comes up to Jesus and touches his clothing and instantly is healed. 

Internally the excitement must have begun to well up in her and then Jesus calls her out, who touched my garments? Trembling in fear she fell before him and told him the truth.  Initially she had to be thinking the worst.  The fear of God and probably wondering would he take back the healing.  Fear of the crowd, obviously if she was able to sneak up and touch Jesus’ garment, she didn’t come announcing unclean as she was suppose to.  In that split second excitement must have turned to gloom.  Why, why is he calling me out? 

For starters, he called her out because he’s not impersonal.  He called her daughter.  Jesus would not let her leave without her knowing her identity, it was personal and he cared.  Also he would clarify any doubt or superstition.  Healing comes through faith.  Her healing did not come by touching his garments but by her faith she was made well.  Lastly he would send her off letting everyone else know she was healed.  Jesus has spoken for her. 

Many of us could probably relate to this woman and her suffering in some way or another.  And maybe God is calling you out of the crowd because he has spoken for you!

Recently I was reminded of the first time I heard the song, Spoken for by Mercy Me.  It was a wow moment as I listened to the words,

Take this world from me

I don’t need it anymore

I am finally free

My heart is spoken for

Oh and I praise you

Oh and I worship you

Covered by a Love Divine

Child of the Risen Lord

To hear you say, “this one’s mine”

My heart is spoken for…

Heavenly Father the only response is praise and worship.  You have covered us with a Love Divine. You have called us daughter and son, child of the Risen Lord.  May we hear you say, this one’s mine, my heart is spoken for!  In Jesus Name, Amen.