But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2 

Winter was so drab and depressing. The cold rain kept me and my students inside most of the time. But this week with spring break, pretty weather and a garden that needed to be resurrected, I began to notice the healing of winter as it turned into spring.

A bluebird seeking a home for his new mate landed on the birdhouse. The blue of his wings was so vibrant. The red on his breast so prominent, it reminded me of the story of Jesus and the woman who was desperate for healing. 

Jesus walked along the dusty road. A crowd followed Him, pressing in to hear His words. The tallit he wore with its blue fringes spread like wings with each step. Many people recognized this Man as having "healing in His wings." He had healed many. Some He even raised from the dead. The blue was significant as indicating the royal priesthood.  A woman whose faith told her that if she could only touch the hem of his garment she would be healed of a disease that had held her captive for twelve years. She pressed through the crowd to touch His wings, the fringes of His garment. She was unclean. If anyone suspected she could be pointed out and shunned from the group. 

Jesus felt the healing, the virtue go from Him as she touched his garment. He already knew who touched Him and what she needed but He wanted her to know and confess Him before the people (Matthew 9: 18-26; Luke 8:40-48). 

The bluebird reminds me of even more. The red that covers his breast reminds me that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin, heals our brokenness and restores life. The woman who reached out tllo Jesus knew He was more than just a famous priest, she knew by faith He was the long-awaited Messiah, the one who could restore her life and give her life eternal.

Have you reached out to Jesus? Press through the crowd without worry of what they will think. Reach out for our Royal Priest who gives us life eternal. 

Hey Kids:

Our yards and parks are coming alive with birds and flowers and insects. God created them for a reason. One of those reasons is to show us His great love. 

What are you noticing in your area that demonstrates God's love?

Here are a few hints:

• Are the dogwoods blooming? Examine a flower and draw or write what you observe.
• Are butterflies pollinating the flowers in your garden? How does a caterpillar become a new creature? Draw a  or write about a caterpillar lifecycle.
• Have you found any rocks with interesting shapes? Does its shape remind you of a verse or a story? Draw or write about your rock. 

Sharing God's love is sometimes as simple as observing His creation with your neighbor.

How will you share God's love this week?

Blessings, 

Gail