Bent over …there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. Luke 13:11 Bent over. Crippled and bent over. This is how Luke describes a woman who shows up in a synagogue on a Sabbath. For eighteen years she has been bent over. My back aches just thinking about it. You and I meet people every day who are bent over. They are crippled and disabled...be it by the overwhelming power of sin, addiction, fear or shame. And when you've been bent over for a long time it is easy to lose hope. Maybe you have felt this way too... like you'll never be able to stand up straight. This week I have been pondering the words from the hymn There is a hope: There is a hope that lifts my weary head
A consolation strong against despair
That when the world has plunged me
In its deepest pit
I find the Savior there
Through present suff'rings future's fear
He whispers courage in my ear
For I am safe in everlasting arms
And they will lead me home When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. Luke 13:12-13 Just like the woman in Luke's gospel, we all long to hear the words of Jesus "you are set free from your ailment." This is true whether our ailments are physical, mental, or spiritual. Jesus is the Savior who has power over the very things keep us crippled and bent over. We are indeed safe in (His) everlasting arms…the same arms that will lift our weary head and give us the power to stand up straight. Blessings,
Matthew+ Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 232) | 
