V is for "When VIRTUE left Jesus"
Mark 5:25-34: "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Thinking of who to write about for the letter 'V' made me think of the woman with the long standing health issue, that came to Jesus for healing. So many people had crowded around Jesus that she could not even get near him to ask for His touch. She handled the problem as best as she could - she crept in and touched the hem of his garment.
I believe this woman is a hero because of the great faith that she had, as well as the honesty that she displayed when Jesus asked who had touched him. Now, because Jesus is God, who knows all things, He knew exactly what was going on with this woman, and why she pressed so hard to be near Him.
Perhaps the reason why He makes this such an interesting story in the Bible is to demonstrate her faith and sincerity to the people around her. Several times in the Bible when Jesus is healing people, it is described as virtue leaving Him.
According to the dictionary, virtue is moral excellence and righteousness. Jesus, of course, was the perfect example of virtue personified.
I believe that those who wholeheartedly choose to be His follower receive a measure of virtue from Him as well. In our own selves, there is no reason to just 'be good' or virtuous, but the presence of God with us when we receive Him as our Savior and begin a personal relationship with Him allows us a measure of his virtue, just like this woman who was healed. This God-given gift of virtue heals us inside. It gives new meaning and purpose to life. With God's help, we are able to be 'whole' and live a holy life that pleases God and encourages others.
For this woman, it all started with a great faith. She is a hero because of her great faith, her persistence in getting to Jesus for help, and her love and desire for Him. In return, He gave her healing and a brand new life.
May I also have such a great faith to get to Jesus for help, and allow Him to add virtue to my life.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts!