The Lord’s Touch

It’s heart-warming to see how a baby responds to its mother’s loving touch, which is vital to the normal development and emotional well-being of the child. As children of God we also desperately need God’s loving touch to help us through life’s journey, and for our spiritual as well as physical well-being.

When the Lord touches us His touches are often healing. In the New Testament He brought joy to the blind, who went away seeing, to the deaf, who went away hearing, and to those who had demons, who were instantly freed from the bondages of the enemy. For the lepers, the untouchables of the day, the Scripture records of Jesus ‘And he put forth his hand and touched him, saying “I will, be thou clean”’. (Luke 5:12-13).

There were times when Jesus just spoke the Word, and other times when He touched them as well as speaking, as in the case of the blind man when He placed clay on his eyes (Mark 8:22-25). He deals with us individually because He knows what’s best for each of us – but the result is the same. We know when we’ve been touched by Jesus, for the outcome is great blessing, healing and freedom.

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John had the unique privilege of witnessing the Lord Jesus in all His glory talking to Moses and Elijah, and then they heard the voice of God the Father expressing His pleasure over His Son and encouraging them to listen to Jesus. They were prostrate on the ground, afraid. Scripture records that Jesus came to them and touched them saying ‘Arise, and be not afraid’. On this occasion the disciples needed Him to still their fears, which He did without them even asking, for He knew their thoughts.

For Jacob the touch of the Lord meant something quite different. Jacob wrestled with God for his blessing, and after touching the hollow of his thigh the Lord said ‘Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince hast though power with God and with men, and hast prevailed’. Jacob received a blessing beyond his wildest dreams, not only for himself but for his descendants (Genesis 32:28).

So whatever the touch of the Lord means for each one of us today, and not withstanding the multitude of needs with which we all come to Him, the touch of Jesus is the key which unlocks the prison doors and brings healing, strength and encouragement. It brings joy, and the courage and fortitude needed to press on, running the race and doing the job He’s called us to do. It reassures us of His nearness. What a joy to know He’s only a prayer away!