CHRIST’S MIRACLE TOUCH

Mk.1:30,31 – Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and they immediately *spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she served them.

I love the tenderness and the power seen in the Lord’s touch. I am still captivated by the moment Jesus visited me at the hospital and spoke His word over me. My only description I can give in that moment is that His words were saturated with tender love and power and authority. No one ever spoke like Jesus. His words attract us, awaken us, heal us, and empower us. When Jesus took Simon Peter’s mother in law’s hand in His hand that is exactly what this woman experienced. She felt His tender mercy and His almighty power. This is what our world needs, the power and the love of God. Here is how Jerome describes this passage.

“Can you imagine Jesus standing before your bed and you continue sleeping? It is absurd that you would remain in bed in his presence. Where is Jesus? He is already here offering himself to us. “In the middle,” he says, “among you he stands, whom you do not recognize.” “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” Faith beholds Jesus among us. If we are unable to seize his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet. If we are unable to reach his head, let us wash his feet with our tears. Our repentance is the perfume of the Savior. See how costly is the compassion of the Savior. Our sins give off a terrible odor; they are rottenness. Nevertheless, if we repent of our sins, they will be transformed into perfume by the Lord. Therefore, let us ask the Lord to grasp our hand. “And at once,” he says, “the fever left her.” Immediately as her hand is grasped, the fever flees.”

This miracle was the beginning of a sweeping move of God in this region. Shortly after this the crowds were packed in and around Peter’s house, this is where the paralytic was let down through his roof. The miracle of Christ taking the hand of a sick old lady turned Capernaum upside down. These signs and wonders still happen today. A new surge of signs, wonders, and miracles are essential to win our world.