AS THE SEED OF ABRAHAM, YOUR WELL BEING IS GOD'S PRIORITY

Jesus defended the case of a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bowed together, such that she could not lift up herself up by any means. When Jesus met her, He called her to Himself, and said unto her, 'Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity'. Jesus, out of sympathy, immediately laid His hands on her and she was made straight. Then she glorified God.

Reference: Luke 13:16 New International Version (NIV) 'This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn't it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?'

As the joy of her healing was being expressed by the crowd, the authority of the synagogue approached the crowd with great indignation, informing them that Jesus healed on the sabbath day, which was not lawful and then, they urged the people to stop rejoicing. 'There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day' they explained further (Luke 13:14 KJV).

The religious leaders became angry because a Jew like Jesus was not supposed to 'work' on the Sabbath by healing someone. Many could say that the religious leaders made a reasonable point according to the law. However, this ­woman had been bent over for 18 years by the spirit of infirmity. Would waiting one more day make much of a difference?

Jesus boldly answered them saying, 'You hypocrites!', "Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water?"' (Luke 13:15-16 KJV). Then Jesus reminded them that she was a daughter of Abraham and had the right to divine healing any time. The Bible said in the next verse: And when he had said these things, all His adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him…(Luke 13:17 KJV).

What made the difference is this: The woman was the seed of Abraham; thus she must not be bound to remain at the mercy of such infirmity because of the law. Romans 4:13 (NIV) says, 'It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.'

To Jesus, this was about making a person free from a burdensome disease and giving her the dignity of being the seed of Abraham. What's more? This was also about giving glory to God and offering the very worship that God wanted from His people. Ultimately this healing pointed to the salvation that only Jesus can offer us through faith. And salvation is so important that Jesus wanted the authorities to know it should certainly take place at any time, including the Sabbath day.

The healing of this woman teaches us a lot in regard to Galatians 3:18 which reads, 'For if the inheritance depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.' Then Paul also wrote, 'Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation - but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.' In other words, know who you are and understand that we abide by a different set of ordinances, as the seed of Abraham' (Romans 8:12-13 NIV).

We are the very seed of Abraham 'now' not later or when we get to heaven. Galatians 3:29 (NLT) reads, 'And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.' Notice the rendering - 'now'.

Salvation is a gift that provides all the benefits of eternal life, and it makes our lives better right now, not tomorrow or in the future. With such a great gift being offered to us on a silver platter, why would any Christian wait any longer to walk in their healing, health and supernatural provisions? Receive and walk in all the benefits of your salvation in every area of your life - today - in Jesus' Name, Amen!

Scripture Reading - Galatians 3:28-29; Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:28; Romans 9:8.

Guided Prayer : Lord God, I praise you for offer­ing me salvation, an amazing gift in Christ Jesus, and for making my well being your utmost priority. Thank you for granting me eternal life which affords me the opportunity to live with you forever and the grace to enjoy all the benefits of salvation I already have today, in Jesus' Name, Amen.