(Mark 6:53-56 ESV)
I wonder sometimes how they felt as they learned of Jesus, had a hard time accepting many of the things he did and taught, and yet saw people flocking about him daily.
In this story, the disciples have just been amazed that Jesus walked on water and when he got in the boat the winds ceased. They didn't understand it as their hearts had been hardened.
They land in Gennesaret and immediately the people start bringing the sick to them. It wasn't even a hesitation on their part... they just brought them asking him.. please...can they just touch your garment?
And they did! AND not only that... those who touched it were made well. Simple as that. Touch the garment...be made well.
Makes me think of the golden snake in the Old Testament. To be made well the people HAD to look to the snake. It was an act of faith.
Touching the garment of Jesus would also be an act of faith. Those with hardened hearts wouldn't do it. Those that had faith in Jesus' ability to heal would be healed.
So where does that leave us?
Realizing that our faith makes a HUGE difference in our lives.
I have to admit, when I was younger I believed that God could literally do ANYTHING that he wanted. That if I believed strongly enough that's all that mattered. Sometimes I wonder where that strong belief went. It's coming back as I've seen God do amazing things. But it slipped away.
Did you suppose that God hardened my heart for a few years? Showing me and teaching me a few things so that I could gain some understanding into the lives of others?
It's hard to say.
Where is your faith today?
Hardened hearts or believing God can make you well?