See two who came for healing

See two who come for healing to Jesus on this day; 

Each one with need most urgent, each in their different way.

Each felt there was no option, no other place to go;

But how he would bring healing they surely could not know.

 

A synagogue official to Jesus came to plead; 

His daughter now lay dying, so dreadful was her need.

The man did beg for Jesus - with pleas and not demands - 

To bring her health and healing, to come and lay his hands.

 

A woman with an issue of blood that would not heal

Would not think to disturb him with such a bold appeal;

She only thought to reach down and touch his garment's hem, 

And then to leave before his disciples might condemn.

 

These two who came for healing to Jesus on this day

Each left with what they sought here, each in their different way.

The daughter got up sprightly, the woman stood up tall,

All from the work of Jesus, who came to heal us all.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, June 2024, after Mark 5:21-43.

MUSIC: Tune AURELIA, Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864. 

 

 

Preserving the "Markan sandwich" of the original reading didn't really work out, but hopefully the healing accounts get their due and, as I generally hope for such hymns, something of the scripture and the sermon gets refreshed in the singing.