"And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well." Matthew 9:20-21
"Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured." Mark 6:56
I love reading these passages. I love the imagery they bring to mind of people earnestly, desperately seeking to be near Jesus. I love how just a believing touch of the very hem of his robe was all it took to make someone whole in a particular area of suffering or sin. What a vivid picture of His power, love, and tenderness. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had that today? If Jesus Himself were going to be passing through my town today I would throw all else aside, grab my children (and probably the rest of my loved ones!) and run to where He would be. I even think I would push through the crowd and try to get a touch, just the smallest touch, of His garment.
We can do that today. We can do that everyday. We can do it throughout each day. In fact, it's happened to me. Perhaps it's happened to you, too. What a glorious moment that is! Have you ever been reading your Bible or devotional book (hopefully one that is steeped in Scripture), or been praying and felt an immediate change? An unexplainable peace? Or perhaps new, immediate clarity or conviction? That's it. That's the hem of His robe.
Amy Carmichael, in her book Thou Givest- They Gather ,says:
"We touch Him and all is changed.
What happens and who can tell how it happens?
We only know that something has passed from Him to us. For example:
- Courage to do the difficult task we feared.
- Patience to bear with that one particular trying person.
- Inner strength to go on when we were sure we could not.
- A sweet freshness in our spirit, complete inner happiness, deep-flowing peace."
There is nothing like it, is there? As we face the new challenges that await us each new week and each new day, we can choose, as Carmichael says, to "go on with God." He is always passing by. We have His Word, always there for us, ready to meet us wherever we are and carry us the next step, give us the next direction, help us in our struggles, convict us of our sin and point us to His cleansing, and reveal more to us about the nature and character of our great God.
Have you touched the hem of His robe today? Oh, how I hope you have. Let's push through the busy-ness and the pressing issues and get to the feet of Jesus.
3 comments:
Yes Cyndi, just to touch the hem of His garment. I would run to meet Him with you - and bring all my loved ones too. I can't think of anything more wonderful.
I heard about the Ca. Homeschool ruling on the way to visit Scott and Susan and told her about it right away. She has a friend whose husband is part of the leadership of that homeschool organization. I'm with all of you. What an outrageous decision!!
Oh - and the menu looks delicious, as always. I'd come to your house for a meal any time.
Hi Cyndi,
This particular story meant so much to me while I was away in London. On days when things seemed to much to bear, I would sit in my chair (most times surrounded by the little people) and would visualize myself as the hemorraging woman. Great insights. I also loved your Amy Carmichael quote.
Cyndi, that was so good. He is so close, right in our hearts and I think it is easy to forget that. I find that just simply whispering His name out loud brings me that "touching the hem" moment you described.
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