The Touch of God, part 64

Warriors Arise: September 16, 2021

Matthew 14:34-36 (NKJV) When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, 36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.

Sounds like word got out. The woman who came before Jesus and shared how she was healed when she touched the hem of His garment must have testified. Someone had to be the pioneer. Someone had to lead the way. Someone had to do the impossible and the woman with the issue of blood, was that person.

Remember how it began, Luke 8:40-46 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him...But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 43 Now a woman...came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

When this happened it was as if time stopped while they figured this out. The woman tapped into something new, something Jesus had not done before. He did not know what had happened; He only knew power had gone out of Him. Then everyone hears her testify and word got out. People begged Jesus that they might touch the hem of His garment. They no longer were needing to be touched by Jesus but to be able to be connected so the flow of God's power would make them whole. How many times do we wait on the Lord:

To look our way?

To extend His grace?

To release His peace?

To ignite our joy?

To revive our passion?

To heal our heart?

To mend our body?

To restore our mind?

To disperse His power?

Yet, something shifted when the woman didn't wait to be touched by Jesus. She didn't ask for an audience with Him. She didn't stand in line and wait her turn. Something deep within her knew, this is the Christ. He is the One. He is to be honored. I am but a servant, a child, a sinner in need. I will not ask Him to touch me, who is dirty and unclean. I will only touch the hem of His garments. Therefore, she reached in and took what God had to give without defiling Jesus. She did not need to waste His time. She needed the fullness of His grace and mercy. How could her issue be more important that this little girl, He was on His way to heal? She could not trouble the Master. She could not deter Him. He must keep going, but, surely, one touch would be all she would need.

Yes, one touch is all she needed. There are times when we are to wait on the Lord but clearly, there are also times Jesus honors us because we acted in faith and reached in to lay hold of what God has for us.There was another time in His life when a woman called something in that He didn't realize was the right time. It was His mother. When He and His disciples were at a wedding and the ran out of wine. His mother came to Him, told Him the problem, and Jesus said, "Woman, it is not my time". Yet, she turned to the servants and said, "Do whatever He tells you."

Mary had influence with God. Whether it was His time or not, she wanted Jesus to "do something" about the need. She wanted Him to work a miracle. When Jesus told her, "Woman, it is not my time," I can only imagine her eyes getting firm, speaking words that were never said, giving Him a look that only a mother can give. Then she turns on her heels and gives instructions to the servants. Can you imagine the look on Jesus' face?

There are times when we step into believing that God can do anything needed to bring about the solution to the problem at hand. When the woman with the issue of blood is healed by her demonstration of faith she unlocked the possibilities for others to have access to the power dripping off of Jesus. Now, in Mark 14:36, the people begged to touch the hem of His garment.

It takes one who will reach into heaven in faith, believing what God has for them to open the passage for others to have the same access.

John 14:12-14 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

What could be greater than having Jesus touch you? Could it be operating in faith, so that you didn't need Jesus to touch you, you only needed to touch Him?

How many times have I prayed for God to reach down and touch me, when I needed to reach into heaven and lay hold of the hem of His garment?

Father, this is huge! Help my mind to wrap around the fullness of these Scriptures and how to apply them to my life, the needs I have, the healing that I need. Give me courage to reaching heaven with confidence, with faith to touch the hem of Your garment. I know Your love is for me. I know Your peace abounds. I know Your calling on my life must come to fruition. I know You are for me. I reach into heaven and touch the hem of Your garment to be made whole in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.