Eighteen years is a long time. Children come of age in 18 years. Four presidential elections are held in 18 years. Wars are fought, nations can rise, empires can crumble all within a span of 18 years.
But for this woman, 18 years had been filled with pain. This woman had 18 years of affliction, 18 years of wondering what great sin had produced this sickness, 18 years of being shun by others, 18 years of being bent over, not able to dress herself, not being able to hold her child. 18 long, difficult, oppressive years.
But then one day she had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus took one look at this woman, this daughter and became indignant. This was a daughter of Abraham. This was a woman with a promise. This was a woman with a destiny. This was a woman with a covenant. How dare the enemy oppress her. How dare he bind her. How dare he torment her with this affliction even for one second, let alone 18 years.
Jesus, in His compassion and indignation said, “This ends today. I don’t care if it’s the Sabbath, I don’t care if this offends you, this woman, this daughter will be set free, TODAY! Now is the time for a breakthrough. Now is the day of salvation.”
What has held you bound for 18 years, 18 months, 18 weeks, 18 days, 18 minutes? Sickness, addictions, depression, lack? What have you been believing for? Lost children, a failing marriage, open doors, a spouse, a job?
You are a son, a daughter of Abraham. You have a promise. You have a destiny. You have a convenant, a newer, better covenant than this woman. Jesus is saying today, “I don’t care about the mistakes of your past, I don’t care what has brought you to this point, but Today is the day of salvation. Today is a good day to be set free. Today is a good day for a suddenly. Today is a good day to for doors to open, chains to break. Today is a good day for a resurrection. Woman/Man you are loosed, TODAY!”
“When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” Then he placed his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Then shouldn’t this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be released from this imprisonment on the Sabbath day?””
Luke 13:12-13, 16 NET
http://bible.com/107/luk.13.12-13,16.net