Just A Touch 2

Matthew 14:34-36

Throughout His ministry, Jesus was constantly on the move, traveling from place to place, doing the works of His Father. His purpose was to reach and teach as many as He could, during the time He would spend on the earth.

After revealing another dimension of His power by way of walking on water, and being acknowledged a second time as the Son of God, Jesus and those who followed Him, went to a land called Gennesaret. This fertile land was north of the shore of Galilee, and was known for producing both temperate and tropical fruits. This particular area was also brimming with people who suffered sickness and disease. So, when the men of the land recognized the man among them was Jesus, they quickly spread word to all the country, to bring all who were diseased to Jesus.

The most interesting point in this story seems to relate to the woman who had the issue of blood. I’m not 100 percent certain there’s a relation with the woman and the people of Gennesaret, but all who came to Jesus, sought only to touch the hem of His garment for their healing, so word of the woman’s story may have spread to this land as well. These sick folk had enough faith to believe, only a touch of Jesus’ clothes, would bring their healing. Mercifully, their faith was in the right place, for all who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment were made perfectly whole. Jesus didn’t perform half healings, but His manifestations were total and permanent.

Jesus healed according to the faith of those who came to Him, so all who desired healing, sought total deliverance and restoration. When you come to God, do you seek partial deliverance, or do you want God to give you a total and complete manifestation of those things your heart desires? Reach out in faith, and touch Jesus, so He can make you whole again.

Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

A Higher Perspective

Mark 2:1-12

Bashing the modern-day church isn’t something I take pride in, as some do today. There are many who speak their thoughts over social media outlets, in reference to the state of church, and christianity, and most of them set the church in a negative light. The definition of the church is, a unified body, consisting of many members, all with different functions, yet operating with one mind, heart, and goal.

It is indeed sad how church has changed over time, and many who seek the truth, can hardly find it from those who profess to be believers, but the biggest problem facing those who are supposed to represent Christ is, perspective. Operating on human intellect alone, gives one a certain world view that is oftentimes contrary to the will of God. Men are indeed wise, and have knowledge to accomplish great things, but worldly wisdom and understanding can take you so far, until you’ll eventually yearn for a deeper understanding of life to grasp things from God’s point of view. In addition, just because a person attends religious services, doesn’t automatically make them qualified in their understanding of the Gospel message. Without the Spirit of God, no man can function appropriately according as God desires.

Our text gives an example of the different perspectives between carnal minded men, and the mind of Jesus. After seeing the faith of four men who sincerely believed that Jesus would heal their paralyzed friend, rather than heal the man first, Jesus focused on his soul. From man’s perspective one would think natural healing should come first, but Jesus proved to the arrogant and undisciplined scribes that a man’s soul is more important than anything else. The physical body of man is temporal, but the soul is eternal, and all souls belong to the Lord. The certain scribes in the text failed to understand that God had given His Son the power and authority to forgive sin, and from His perspective, Jesus was concerned about the total man, and not just the physical.

In times when we don’t understand the plan of God, trust and believe He sees more than we can with our limited sight and judgment. Be careful not to judge the church by where some are in life, because God may be doing something to help their eternal future, and not just a temporary situation.

Be Made Whole

Mark 2:13-17

As I continue to meditate on the pages of Scripture, my fascination of the power Jesus portrayed continues to swell, even to this day. From walking on water, to casting devils out of a man and into a herd of swine, the power of God working through the Son was, and is still amazing! The power of God is limitless, and all who came to Jesus, in faith, were healed. Not one person who suffered was left in their misery after their encounter with Jesus (unless they weren’t willing to change, like the rich man). But my focus for this lesson is on Judas, the disciple.

I know Bible prophecy will always be fulfilled, but I have concerns as to how Judas could be so close to the Savior, yet not seek His mighty power, to deliver him from his struggle. Jesus mentions in our text, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:” (vs.17). He continued to say that He came to call sinners to repentance. Although Judas was a disciple who closely followed Jesus and the eleven, his motives weren’t the same as theirs. During all the missions and travels of Jesus during His ministry, Judas was responsible for handling the finances, and I’m apt to believe, he was influenced by the devil, and allowed the love of money to rule his heart, more than the love of Jesus. I often say, conviction is a positive sign to Saints, because it makes them aware that they are nearing a fall, but when that conviction goes away, they’ll be open to act upon evil desires. This is what happened with Judas. He was literally with Jesus nearly every day, and was free to express his thoughts and struggles, but rather than seek help for what he battled with, he chose to remain in the sin that would eventually lead to his demise.

Even though we have God in our hearts, we can still be tempted to entertain sin. If we fall, we can come to God in sincerity and faith, knowing that He alone can forgive, and deliver us from our faults. Unlike Judas, who allowed money to rule his heart, let the peace of God rule yours, even in times of struggle, because the Father already knows what’s going on, and wants you to boldly come to Him in humility and love.

“It’s ok to not be ok sometimes, but don’t give up… help is on the way.” – Ell

Healing Through Faith

Mark 5:21-34

The Bible story of the woman with the issue of blood is one that has inspired many to hold fast to their faith in God, even for their own healing. Suffering with a blood issue for twelve long years, had caused the woman much misery, pain, and grief. What made matters worse for her is, she had spent all that she had on different treatments from physicians. Not only was she miserable and broke, but her issue grew worse. Her cries of help did her no good, until she heard of a man named Jesus, who just so happened to be in close proximity to her one day.

While continuing in His ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus made His way to the other side of the country of the Gadarenes. Mere moments after leaving the ship on which He traveled, Jesus found Himself surrounded by crowds of people. Before He could settle Himself off the ship, Jesus was approached by one of the rulers of the synagogue, who asked for His help to heal his daughter, who was at the point of death. Jesus agreed, then began following the man to his residence.

While on the way to heal the daughter of Jarius, the woman with the issue of blood, heard about Jesus, then fought her way to just touch His garment. Her faith grabbed hold to what she heard about Jesus, and she was certain that her healing would come, from just one touch. After she touched the Savior’s garment, “straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” (vs. 29).

The woman could have easily ignored what she had heard about Jesus and continued in her issue, but after going through years of pain and disappointment, she literally had nothing else to lose.

What have you heard about Jesus, that excites you to the point you’re willing to go the extra mile to see Him? Do you truly understand who God really is? Or, have you not heard how He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes and deaf ears, redeemed mankind from sin, prepared a place beyond this life for the Saints to live forever.

You may be dealing with an issue that seems to have no answer, but continue reaching out toward Jesus, and if your healing doesn’t come in this life, be strong and keep the faith, because God has much better awaiting us when we meet Him face to face.

From Doubters To Believers

Mark 5:35-43

On your last visit to the doctor, we’re you nervous and afraid, that the acting physician would mishandle you, because of his or her lack of ability? The last time you took your vehicle to get serviced, did you question the mechanics, whether or not they knew how to inspect and service your vehicle? Did you laugh at the foreman of the construction crew, who handled the blueprints of a new apartment community, doubting that he knew what he was planning to do? When we see a man or woman, wearing a certain uniform that caters to a specific profession, we automatically believe they are capable of performing the duties associated with their titles. We don’t often doubt whether doctors, fireman, or even automobile mechanics are able to fulfill their assigned duties, or not. Instead, we have trust and belief that when we see a man or woman in uniform, they are well able to do what they are assigned to.

In our text, we find where Jesus was doing the works of His Father; more specifically, He was operating in divine healing, and working to rid many of sickness, demon possession, and even death. Jesus had built a reputation that preceded Himself, thus causing many to seek Him for healing and deliverance.

After casting a demon out of a man, and healing a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve long years, Jesus continued on His way to heal a man’s sick daughter. As Jesus and those who followed neared the house of the sick damsel, some came from the house and told the ruler of the synagogue, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (vs. 35b). Naturally, this is a common response from those who have no faith in the Man in uniform, but Jesus was no ordinary man, and the works that followed after Him, should have been enough proof for everyone to believe in His incredible power.

To make this story a bit more interesting, as Jesus entered the house, and noticed a great noise of weeping and wailing, He kindly told those gathered, “the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” (vs. 39b). The next verse reads, “And they laughed him to scorn.” This is very interesting for a few reasons, but more specifically makes me wonder, how can they turn from crying to laughing so suddenly. Well, during these times, weeping and wailing was more of a custom, and not real sorrow. So, it could quickly be turned to laughter in a moment. The people knew the young girl was dead, so their scornful laughter was more of unbelief, and mockery for Jesus’ confident statement. The nerve of some people, smh. Jesus wisely put everyone out of the room, except for those who refused to doubt His power and authority, then went to work.

The Bible never mentions the response of those who doubted Jesus after He brought the twelve year old girl back to life, but I’m certain from that day on, that laughing crew never doubted the power of Jesus ever again.

Sometimes in life, you’ll encounter people who will doubt that God can bring you out of situations that may seem dead. But, if you keep your faith in the power of God, and surround yourself with those who are positive and encouraging, God will come through for you, and turn your doubters into believers.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Your faith has made you well

Mark 5:25-34

During His brief ministry on the earth, Jesus had built quite a reputation for Himself, while healing, delivering, and changing the hearts of many who were determined to be in His presence. Despite how much Jesus shunned the spotlight, His miraculous acts brought unprecedented attention to Himself, that was unavoidable.

Not too long after casting an evil spirit out of a man who dwelt in the graveyard, in the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus and His disciples journeyed back to Capernaum, where he was immediately met by a mob of skeptical people, one of which approached the Son of God with a very interesting request. One of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, came to Jesus and fell at His feet. His daughter was at the point of death, and the man wanted Jesus to lay His hands on her, so she could be healed and live. It’s obvious the power Jesus spoke of from His Father was real, because many witnessed the evidence of manifestation for themselves, but personal faith in that power was still a prerequisite to receive blessings of such magnitude from God. Jesus agreed to pray for the girl, then followed Jairus to where she was. On the way to His destination, the crowd of people continued to follow Jesus, but in the midst of them pressing upon Him on all sides, Jesus asked a question, “Who touched my clothes?” Carnal-minded thinking led the disciples to conclude Jesus wasn’t making sense, as there were many who touched Him, but Jesus was speaking from a spiritual perspective, as He literally felt virtue leave His body. While ignoring the hopeless, yet privileged disciples, Jesus looked around to see who’s faith was responsible for pulling virtue from Him. There are so many points I want to expound upon from this verse, but I’ll keep it short, for the sake of the blog post. Jesus was God in the flesh, and operated in the same power as His Father in Heaven. He was also capable of doing exceeding, abundantly, above all we could ask or think. From then, to now, being able to receive a miracle was only made possible by first having a condition, being fed up with that condition, trying and seeing that man can do nothing, except what God allows, then striving to reach God, but through unyielding faith.

There was a woman who had suffered twelve years with a blood condition. She spent all her money, seeking help from physicians, but to no avail. This is similar to many today, who go all out looking for answers from man, when God’s been there the whole time, waiting to bless us. The woman pressed her way through the crowd, only to touch the clothes of Jesus, because she had faith enough to believe that if the man was as anointed as she had heard, then touching His clothes would be enough to bring about her healing. To her, and Jesus’ surprise, she was right! After revealing her story, and intentions to Jesus, He responded, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Being all man (and all God), I can imagine that every time Jesus healed someone, He felt joy on the inside that caused goosebumps to form all over His body. His love is pure, and has compassion on everyone, including those who plotted to murder Him.

From this lesson’s text, it’s clear that we must have faith in God, in order to be a candidate for a miracle. Some struggle from minor things in life, while others suffer extreme conditions. What may seem shallow to some people, may actually be severe for others. Whatever your need is, whether great or small, God is not limited in His power, and can deliver us from anything. Pray the prayer of faith, believing that God can back up every Word spoken in Scripture, then live your days in expectation of your miracle manifestation.

Walk in love,

Ell