Summary
Held
There are seasons in life when everything seems to dangle by a single fragile strand. The phrase "hanging by a thread" comes to us from an ancient story of a sword suspended over a courtier's head by a single hair—a vivid image for the times when circumstances press in and we are not sure we will make it through. Scripture is full of saints who knew that feeling: Elijah collapsed under the broom tree begging to die 1 Kings 19:4; Moses cried out that the burden of the people was too heavy Numbers 11:14; Paul confessed being "so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself" 2 Corinthians 1:8.
The woman in Luke 8:42–48 belongs in that company. Twelve years of hemorrhaging had drained her resources, exhausted the physicians, and—because of Levitical purity laws Leviticus 15—made her ceremonially unclean and a social outcast. She could not touch or be touched without rendering others unclean. Pressing through the crowd, she reached for the fringe of Jesus' garment, the very tassels that, by the command of Numbers 15:38–39, were meant to remind Israel of the commandments of God. The Greek word translated "touched" is stronger than a brush of the fingers; she clutched, she grabbed hold.
In one moment she was restored on three levels. Physically, the bleeding stopped. Socially, when Jesus called her out of the crowd—not because He needed information, but because she needed to be publicly named as a daughter—her place in the community was restored. Spiritually, Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." The verb behind "made you well" is the same word used elsewhere for "saved." This was no mere cure; it was salvation, received through faith, which Scripture tells us is itself the gift of God Ephesians 2:8–9.
There is a familiar saying: "When you feel like you're hanging by a thread, make sure it's the hem of His garment." It is a good word—but the gospel gives us a better one. The very One wearing the fringed garment was stripped of His robes and hung on the cross, bearing the sin of the world. His blood reconciles us to God; from the cross He declares the debt "paid in full" John 19:30. The empty tomb seals the verdict. We are not anxiously clutching at a Savior who might slip away. He has already laid claim to us in the waters of Holy Baptism and clothed us in the righteousness of Christ Galatians 3:27.
So the diagnosis does not have the last word—the Great Physician does, who holds your days. The accountant does not have the last word—the sovereign Lord who owns all does. The broken relationship does not define you; you are defined by the One who has brought you into relationship with Himself. When work crushes in, "cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7. Your purpose is not your work; your purpose is what you bring to your work as one baptized into Christ.
That is the better word offered in "Held" 7-30-23: we have something stronger than the command to hang on. He holds you. Fear not.
Video citations
- "Held" 7-30-23 — Let us pray together, please. Love divine, all love, exhaling. Gracious Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for such incredible love that you are poor. Chiefly, in the Lord Jesus Christ, the cross…