The Healing Touch of the Master

A daddy with a dying little girl. A religious leader whose very position contradicted his daughter’s illness. He had studied the Holy Scriptures. He advised people every day on how to turn their problems over to God. He taught the people to have faith. To live holy, righteous lives, yet somehow he was powerless in this situation. The nightmare was real, and his baby girl lay knocking on death’s door. He found the master and begged for a miracle. When the Healer agreed to come home with him, he felt a surge of gratefulness. Jesus could do it. He could heal his daughter. He just had to believe.

How she hurt. Fourteen years she had suffered. At first she had been able to hide it but time had passed and her family and neighbors had learned the truth about her. She longed for death. A chance to escape the pain, the condemnation, the mistrust. But death evaded her and the suffering continued. Then she heard about a man called Jesus. He healed the sick, made the lame to walk, caused the blind to see. Hope began to bud in the heart that had given up. When she learned He was coming to her town, she knew she had to see him. If she could just get close enough to touch him, she could be well.

He had lost hope. He would never walk again. The disease crippled his body and robbed him of all dignity. He couldn’t dress or wash without help. He couldn’t even stand. His friends and family tried to encourage him. They told him stories of a healer who had come to Israel, but he didn’t believe in healing. God had cursed him and God would see him dead. When his friends insisted on taking him to see Jesus, he had no choice but to go. Luckily they couldn’t get in. maybe this would stop the nagging. But no, they took him to the roof to lower him into the room where Jesus taught. He lay angry and hurting. Silently he cursed God. As he was lowered to Jesus, his eyes met the eyes of compassion. Shame filled him, then regret, then longing. “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Instantly, he was made whole. Spiritually, emotionally, physically.

Having walked the roads we walk, Christ understands our problems. He understands our pain and heartache. He understands the doubts and longings for rest (even death). He understands and He has compassion. As he did for the sick woman (Luke 8:43-48), for the grieving father (Matthew 9:18-26) and for the hopeless man (Matthew 9:1-2), Jesus wants to transform your life.

Have you hurt for so long in ways that no one sees?

Are you captured by fear? Longing for a touch from the master?

What hopeless situation are you facing, thinking no one, not even God cares?

Jesus wants to reach out for you. He wants to wipe your sins and heartaches away. To fill you with peace and hope. Will you let him? Will you come and feel the gentle Healing touch of the master?

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:6-7).