There was a phrase which came to me again and again - "The Touch of God". – as we made our way through the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk certainly knew the ‘Touch of God’ - which made me turn to some other Bible passages.
When you look at the lives of various men of God, we see that they were touched by God in some very real and direct way - touched - influenced - apprehended - by the Hand of God - by the Finger of God. Who is the Holy Spirit.
Think of Moses - the burning bush apprehending him - getting his attention - arresting him in the desert.
Moses was touched by God - while he lived in Pharaoh's house.
Moses knew who he was - a Hebrew. He refused to be called Pharaoh's son - choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God - rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Hebrews 11verses 25,26 . Moses knew from a very early age that he was being used by God to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt. Acts 7 verses 24,25 .
But he had to spend 40 years in the wilderness looking after sheep.
"Lord, You touched me so clearly - why have you left me out here? You gave me the finest education available in Egypt's highest centre of learning - how is it being used in the backside of the desert?" God had not forgotten nor overlooked His chosen man - the man He had called and touched.
Then there was Isaiah - in the Temple - in the house of God - where he felt his total sinfulness - and he was aware that all around him were sinful people - and God touched him. The sinful people remained basically unchanged - but not so Isaiah.
Jeremiah 1verse 9 - The Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth.
Ezekiel 1verse 3 - and 3verse 14 – he sensed the hand of the Lord upon him - the very touch of God.
Jesus walked on to the scene - and it was touch after touch.
Matthew Chapter 8 . The untouchable leper.
Matthew Chapter 9 and verse 20 - that woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Her life was haemorrhaging away, but she knew that if she could touch Jesus - she could be healed. That is amazing faith - and she demonstrates amazing courage.
Of course, all this is going on as Jesus is making his way to the home of Jairus - and Jairus's little daughter has just died - and Jesus took her by the hand - and she got up. The touch of God gives healing and life.
Matthew Chapter 14 - where we read of Jesus in Galilee by the lakeside. The disciples are sailing across that beautiful lake - but the scene suddenly changes. There is one of Galilee's violent storms. Jesus goes walking on the water - and calls Peter to Him - and when Peter is about to sink and drown - there is the touch of Christ - the grab of Christ - the grip of Christ. O, how different the Church might have been if Jesus had not rescued his man on that occasion.
But look at what follows - news went around that Jesus Christ was present - and people brought their sick ones to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak - and all who touched Him were healed.
Matthew 17 verse 7 . Jesus is transfigured – Moses and Elijah appear – and God speaks. The disciples who were with Jesus fell to the ground terrified. Jesus touches them - to lift them up.
The touch of God always lifts people.
Matthew 20 verse 29 . Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem. He passes through Jericho - for the final time. Two blind men cry out - and Jesus has compassion on them - and touched their eyes - and they were able to see.
When Paul was blinded by the light of Christ, he needed a touch too, and Jesus sent a fellow disciple by the name of Ananias. When Ananias touch the eyes of Saul something like scales fell, and he regained his sight. The touch of God through Ananias enabled him to see, and Saul saw physically and spiritually right to the very end of his life.
When God touches - it is not just for a season - nor is it for part-time service - but for a lifetime. Those whom God possesses and touches and calls. He preserves and prepares for ever-increasing usefulness.
We remember when Jesus touched the bread and the cup – that God bought us paying the price – with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 94verse 14 - For the Lord will not reject His People. There is example after example of this in The Word of God.
When God touches - that changes everything – for ever.
“Lord God – our gracious and caring Heavenly Father – hear us and touch us anew – afresh - again. We give thanks and praise for every experience of Your touch over these past weeks and months – but reassure us as we face whatever lies ahead. Remind us that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Enable us to respond to Your touch – our loving holy God.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.