"Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
A casual or healing touch. What made the difference? As Jesus walked through the streets of Jerusalem, He was jostled on every side. The crowds milled around Him so tightly that it was almost like being swept down a river. But when a woman, who'd been bleeding for 12 long years, touched the hem of His garment, Jesus knew it right away. He knew it was more than a casual touch. Someone had touched Him with a deep purpose and had received an answer.
What set this woman's touch apart from everyone else? In her touch was a fervency, a desperate prayer for what Jesus had to give. She touched Him with living faith. The crowd, on the other hand, was satisfied just to be near the famous teacher--to know the thrill of walking into town with the Miracle Man. They received nothing because they asked for so little.
In our journey with Jesus, is it any different? Could we be walking with the crowd, receiving nothing from Christ? Do we talk of Him in a casual way--with words but no heart? Do we pray with intensity, feeling we can't let go until we know Him? Or maybe we rush by so fast, without taking time to listen to what He has to say. We jump in and out of Christ's presence so quickly that He has no chance to give us anything. Much less Himself. The story of the bleeding woman has a deep lesson for us today. It contains this warning--it's possible for you to be in God's presence--to read your Bible and go to church, and yet, receive little healing from the Lord!
"Let us turn aside from the dusty, heated thoroughfares of life to rest in the shadows of Christ's love, and learn from Him the lesson of quiet trust. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit in companionship with Him--this is our need. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps, they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps for a moment within its sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens, they return to their work" (Signs of the Times, 7/6/04).
My Prayer
Dear Lord, slow me down. Help me to linger long with you--enough to hear Your words speak to my heart. Fill me with an intense desire to seek You, Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. In the loving name of Jesus, Amen.
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