The Personal Touch

When we think about the miracles of Jesus—the power they transmitted and the great changes they wrought in people’s lives—we often focus on the spectacular.

But Jesus usually performed miracles because He desired to meet people’s needs. A personal touch—not the power—was a motivating factor. When he met the widow of Nain, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” (Lk. 7:13b NIV)

Everyone probably held their breath when Jesus approached the coffin, wondering what the Rabbi would do. The men carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” (v. 14b)

Dramatic? Yes. The young man did get up. All the people were amazed and turned their thoughts toward God.

But remember the relationship between the mother and the son. We do not know exactly what they did after the funeral was interrupted. But they probably went home together.

Originally published August 3, 1984.
Picture: Patty's garden, 2008. Photo by Patty.

"Abba, Father"

The father image of God has come under attack in recent years—perhaps because the father image itself has come under attack. It has deteriorated. Macho doesn’t usually blend well with tender love.

But the relationship of father to child is often portrayed tenderly in the Bible. Children were answers to the patriarch’s prayers. Even Jacob—who, admittedly, played favorites—demonstrated loving relationships with each of his children.

In the Old Testament, the prophets portray a positive father image. Elisha cried, My father! My father! when he saw a chariot of fire snatch his teacher. (II Kings 2:12 NIV)

Jesus always addressed or referred to God as the Father who provided for every need.

And Paul wrote, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15)

Sonship and fatherhood are good things.

Originally published May 17, 1985.
Picture: Fern-leaf Peonies with Creeping Phlox foreground, Patty's Garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Different Criterion

Many groups set up criteria for achieving favor with God—for attaining salvation. These criteria range from accepting a set of doctrines—to living within prescribed behavior codes—to performing initiation rites, etc.

Jesus had a different criterion. He said, “And this is eternal life, that they [His followers] may know You . . . For I have given them the words which you have give Me; and they have received Him . . . and they have believed. . . .” (Jn. 17:3,8 NKJV)

According to this prayer of Jesus, salvation is knowing God by faith—not knowing about Him, but knowing Him. Knowing implies relationship. And because relationships include interaction, salvation includes interaction. It means approaching God—meeting with Him, speaking with Him—personally hearing and receiving His Word in the heart.

Jesus prayed further, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word.” (v. 20) We’re included in His prayer.

Originally published January 18, 1991.