We read in Matthew 14:34-36 that Jesus, after feeding the five thousand in the desert place, crossed over the sea, and came into the land of Gennesaret,
"And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto Him all that were diseased, And besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment; and as many as touched were made perfectly whole." (Matthew 14:35-36)
That was not the only instance of healing by the touch of Christ's garment. When we read the record we cannot help exclaiming, if that was the result of only touching the hem of His garment, what must be the effect of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ? We are exhorted thus: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:14)
Now we know that: "The Lord is that Spirit," (2 Corinthians 3:17) and that: "If we walk in the Spirit we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)
Must it not be then, that He who has such "power over all flesh," (John 17:2) that He can save from all its lusts, can at the same time give complete deliverance from all its infirmities? Truly He will, if we but receive Him in intelligent faith; for He who forgives all iniquities also heals all diseases. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103:2-3)
It was well with those who only touched the hem of His garment; but let us not be content with that; let us be clothed with himself, His humility, His righteousness, assured that He will do for us "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)
For every believing soul there is health and strength such as no one has ever yet dreamed of.--Present Truth, October 2, 1902--Original title: Back Page--Timeline: IV-39 (Jesus Walks on the Lake)--Matthew 14:34-36.