Skill or Will?

 N.T.#173 "Skill or Will?

Oct. 26, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 16

LET IT GLOW

When the people recognized Jesus, the news of His arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged Him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of His robe, and all who touched Him were healed. (verses 35-36)

Jesus came through when the sick needed His healing touch. Isn't that like our Jesus? One day the power of Jesus will rid this world of its pain and death and strife. (Rev. 21:4)

What can we learn from those folks?

• They besought Jesus.
• They begged Jesus to heal their sick loved ones.
• With humility they asked for help from Jesus.
• Their faith believed Jesus didn't need to speak to their need nor touch them for a cure, but just allowing the sick to touch the hem of Jesus' robe would do.
• There was no doubting the all-sufficiency of Jesus' power.
• No formalities was required of the Healing Savior.
• They sought an overflowing healing virtue of the Messiah.
• They heard of the faith of the woman with 12 years of bleeding that was healed by her faith.(chapter 9)

Friend, do we ask? Do we believe? Is it our desire for the Living Water to flow in and through us? Jesus does not faint nor grow weary. He is the everlasting God. He comforts those in need and strengthens the weak. Strength arises when we wait upon the Lord our God. Reign forever in our hearts, Jesus. 

LET IT GROW

He that has begun the good work will perform it. (Phil. 1:6)

Let Jesus' Spirit overflow with grace to us. Christ is in heaven interceding for us to the Father. His Word is with us; Christ is The Word. 

When we mix faith with the Word, apply it to ourselves, depend upon it, and submit to its influences and commands, then we touch the hem of Christ's garment. It is but thus touching, and we are made whole. (Matthew Henry)

If a person is not healed, it is not due to the lack of Jesus' skill, but His will. We may depend upon Jesus more when we live with a disease. We may honor and glorify God more by His not healing us on earth. Ultimately, we will be healed in heaven. This is certainly true for me with Crohn's disease.

... and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. (verse 36b)

Will we touch the heart of Jesus Christ with our faith and be made perfectly whole? He is in the whole-soul business. Just touch Him.

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, we trust in You, believe in You, and hope in You.

"Yes, Lord," is our response to Your will.

Jesu, we love You!

Help us let go of what keeps us from fully serving You.