Touching the Tassels

 

Reaching for the Hem of His Garment

A Sign of Faith in the Law and the Messiah

The woman in Mark 5 had been suffering for twelve years, isolated, unclean, and without hope. No doctor could heal her, and no one could remove her shame. But then, she heard about Jesus.

Pushing through the crowd, she reached out to touch the hem of His garment. This was not a random act; it was deeply symbolic. In Jewish tradition, men were commanded to wear tzitzit—tassels on the corners of their garments—as reminders of God’s covenant (Numbers 15:38-39). Malachi 4:2 prophesied that the Messiah would bring healing in His wings—the Hebrew word kanaph also means the edge of a garment. By touching Jesus’ tassels, she was making a bold declaration: “I believe You are the Messiah.”

Her faith was not passive—it moved her to action. Though many were pressing around Jesus, only she touched Him with faith. Immediately, her bleeding stopped. But Jesus wanted more than just to heal her body—He wanted to restore her identity. When she trembled before Him, He spoke the words she most needed to hear:

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. 

Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 

(Mark 5:34)

This is the only time in Scripture where Jesus directly calls someone Daughter. She was not just healed—she was seen, known, and loved.

Where is your faith today? Are you pressing through the crowd of doubt, fear, or weariness to reach for Jesus? Like this woman, let us believe that even the smallest touch of faith can change everything.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me the faith to reach for You, trusting that You alone can heal and restore. Help me not just seek Your miracles, but to seek You. Thank You for calling me Your own. Amen.

Trusting in God’s Everlasting Word

 

The Eternal Word Amidst Life’s Transience

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God endures forever. — Isaiah 40:8 

Isaiah 40:8 highlights the contrast between the fleeting nature of life and the enduring permanence of God’s Word. While grass and flowers, though vibrant and beautiful, quickly wither and fade, symbolizing the temporary state of human endeavors and existence, God’s Word remains steadfast and unchanging throughout all generations. 

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of worldly pursuits. Our achievements, possessions, and even our lives are transient, much like the grass that dries up and the flowers that droop and drop. However, amidst this transience, the Word of God stands as an eternal foundation, offering unwavering truth and guidance. 

Reflecting on this, we are encouraged to prioritize the eternal over the temporary. Consider the following:

• Life’s Transience: Recognize the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and achievements. While they may bring temporary satisfaction, they do not offer lasting fulfillment.

• Eternal Foundation: Embrace the Bible as an unchanging source of truth and guidance. Its teachings remain relevant across all ages and cultures, providing a solid foundation for life.

• Daily Engagement: Commit to regular reading and meditation on Scripture. Allow its truths to permeate your heart and mind, shaping your thoughts, actions, and decisions.

• Trust in Promises: Hold fast to the promises found in God’s Word. In moments of doubt or difficulty, let them be a source of hope and encouragement, reminding you of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

By grounding ourselves in the eternal Word of God, we navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence, knowing that we are anchored to a truth that transcends time and circumstance. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in a world that is constantly changing, we thank You for the unchanging truth of Your Word. Help us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and to build our lives upon the firm foundation of Scripture. May Your enduring Word guide us, comfort us, and strengthen our faith each day. Amen.

Finding God in the Everyday

A Journey Through His Kingdom, Love, and Grace

The Bible teaches us that God’s kingdom isn’t far away or hidden behind rituals. Instead, it’s embedded in our everyday lives, revealed through love, grace, and truth. Let’s explore how Scripture shows us to encounter God in the ordinary, embrace His infinite love, and extend His grace to others.

1. The Kingdom of God: Hidden in Plain Sight

God’s kingdom is closer than we imagine, working quietly in unexpected places.

1.1 God Is Everywhere (Luke 18:9-14)

In the story of the Publican and the Pharisee, we learn that God is present wherever humility and repentance are found. Holiness is not confined to religious spaces but lives in the honest cry of the heart.

1.2 A Small Start, A Big Impact (Matthew 13:31-32)

The mustard seed reminds us that God’s work often starts small. His kingdom is already growing in unseen ways, quietly transforming lives.

1.3 Right Under Your Nose (Luke 15:8-10)

The lost coin teaches that the kingdom is not far off. God’s presence is closer than we realize—woven into the ordinary moments of life.

1.4 Surprises in Unlikely Places (Matthew 13:33)

The leaven shows us that God’s kingdom often works behind the scenes in unexpected places. Look for Him where you least expect to find Him.

1.5 Don’t Box God In (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God’s ways are higher than ours. His kingdom constantly challenges us to expand our understanding and grow in faith.

2. The Kingdom in Hardship: Grace Through Struggle

Difficult times are not the absence of God—they are often where He works most powerfully.

2.1 Finding Hope in Hard Times (James 1:2-4)

Life’s toughest seasons, like leaven in dough, can produce transformation. God uses struggles to refine and heal us in ways we never imagined.

2.2 God Is Near (Acts 17:27-28)

The barren fig tree reminds us that God isn’t far away. He’s closer than our breath, inviting us to turn to Him and bear fruit, even in tough times.

2.3 Keep Asking, Keep Trusting (Luke 18:1-8)

The widow and the unjust judge teach us the value of persistence. Unlike the unjust judge, God is faithful and eager to answer our prayers, especially in times of need.

3. God’s Boundless Love: Embracing the Father’s Heart

God’s love is steady, infinite, and personal, calling us to live in His abundant grace.

3.1 Home Is Where Love Is (Luke 15:11-24)

The Prodigal Son shows us that everything we seek—security, belonging, and love—has always been waiting for us in the Father’s embrace.

3.2 The Treasure You Already Have (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Eternal life is a gift, not something we earn. The kingdom is already here, waiting for us to embrace its joy and peace.

3.3 You Already Have Everything You Need (Luke 15:31)

In the Prodigal Son’s older brother, the father’s words remind us: “Everything I have is yours.” God’s abundance is already ours in Him.

3.4 Love in Action (Matthew 22:37-39)

The kingdom of God is revealed in how we love others. True faith overflows into kindness, compassion, and solidarity with those in need.

4. The Call of Grace: Open to Everyone

God’s grace doesn’t exclude—it welcomes all, regardless of background or timing.

4.1 No One Is Left Out (Luke 10:25-37)

The Good Samaritan shows us that the kingdom of God is radically inclusive, breaking down barriers and calling us to love without prejudice.

4.2 Grace Comes Again and Again (Matthew 20:1-16)

The workers in the vineyard remind us that grace is freely given. Whether you arrive early or late, God’s invitation to the kingdom is always open.

4.3 Come as You Are (Luke 14:15-24)

In the great banquet, God welcomes us just as we are. No need to fix yourself—just accept His invitation and come to the table.

4.4 We Build the Walls (Luke 16:19-31)

The story of Lazarus and the rich man reminds us that God doesn’t create barriers—we do. His grace invites us to tear them down and live freely in His love.

5. Living in the Spirit: Fresh and Transforming

The Spirit of God breathes new life into us, breaking old patterns and inviting us into something greater.

5.1 Faith in Motion (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Faith isn’t static; it’s a race we run with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Together as a community, we carry the living tradition of God’s kingdom.

5.2 Let God Do Something New (Mark 2:22)

The new wine reminds us that God’s Spirit cannot be contained by old ways of thinking or living. He calls us to embrace fresh transformation and growth.

5.3 The Best Treasure (Matthew 13:44-46)

When you discover God’s kingdom, it changes everything. Like finding hidden treasure, nothing else compares to the joy of knowing Him.

Living in God’s Kingdom Today

God’s kingdom isn’t a distant dream or a future reality—it’s here and now. It’s found in the small, ordinary moments, in the love we share, and in the grace we extend to others. The question is not whether God is present, but whether we’ll open our eyes to see Him and respond to His invitation.

 Prayer:

Lord,

Open my eyes to see Your kingdom all around me.

Teach me to trust in Your love,

To live in Your grace,

And to let Your Spirit transform me.

Help me share Your goodness with others,

So that my life reflects Your light in this world.

Amen.

Unbreakable Love of Christ

Reflection on Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39, NIV)

This powerful passage invites us to rest in the unshakable assurance of God’s love. Paul’s words remind us that the love of Christ is not dependent on circumstances or performance—it is steadfast, eternal, and victorious. Let us reflect on a few key truths from this passage:

1. Unbreakable Love

Paul asks a profound question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” This rhetorical question highlights that nothing—not trouble, hardship, or even death—can break the bond of Christ’s love for His people. The trials Paul lists are real, but they are powerless against the overwhelming strength of God’s love.

• Reflection: Have you ever felt distant from God due to challenges or failures? This passage reassures you that God’s love remains constant, even in your weakest moments.

2. More Than Conquerors

Paul declares that in all these adversities, believers are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” This victory is not because of our strength but because of Christ’s victory on the cross and His resurrection. We don’t just endure trials; we emerge victorious through faith in Him.

• Reflection: Consider a time when you faced hardship but found strength in God. How did His love empower you to rise above the situation?

3. Nothing in All Creation Can Separate Us

Paul lists extreme contrasts—death and life, angels and demons, present and future, height and depth—emphasizing that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. His love is eternal, transcending all physical and spiritual realities.

• Reflection: Do you live with this assurance of God’s unchanging love? Let this truth deepen your trust and banish fear from your heart.

4. The Love of God in Christ Jesus

The source of this indomitable love is Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross and His ongoing intercession for us (Romans 8:34) secure our eternal place in His love. This is a love grounded in grace, not our performance or worthiness.

• Reflection: How does knowing that God’s love is rooted in Christ’s work, not your own, give you peace and security?

Final Encouragement

Romans 8:35-39 is a hymn of victory, a promise that nothing can sever us from God’s love in Christ. In a world filled with uncertainty, this passage offers unwavering hope. Let it remind you to stand firm in God’s love, trusting Him through every trial and triumph.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your unshakable love that holds me secure through every storm of life. Help me to trust in Your promises and live as more than a conqueror, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Where Justice and Mercy Embrace

Living in the Balance of God’s Love

Justice and Mercy: The Heart of God’s Love

How can God be both perfectly just and infinitely merciful? At first glance, these attributes may seem contradictory—justice demands fairness and accountability, while mercy offers compassion and pardon. Yet, at the heart of the Christian gospel, these two characteristics are magnificently reconciled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we see that God’s justice is not compromised, and His mercy is extended to all.

This tension between justice and mercy invites us to reflect deeply on the character of God and how we can embody these divine qualities in our own lives. Let’s explore some key questions that help us better understand and live out these truths.

God’s Justice as Love in Action

“God’s justice is not retributive but restorative, always seeking to redeem rather than to destroy.” — Walter Brueggemann

“The justice of God is love in action, setting right what is broken.” — Eugene Peterson

Justice, in the biblical sense, is not about punishment for its own sake. It is about restoring what is broken, healing wounds, and establishing righteousness. God’s justice flows from His love; He judges not to condemn but to set things right. This perspective changes the way we see divine justice—it is not cold or harsh but purposeful and redemptive.

How can understanding God’s justice as restorative shape the way we approach those who have wronged us? Perhaps it means being more willing to seek restoration over retaliation in our relationships.

The Cross: Where Justice and Mercy Meet

“At the cross, God’s justice and mercy met, and both triumphed.” — Alexander Maclaren

“The death of Christ was the supreme demonstration of both the love of God and the justice of God.” — William Barclay

The cross is the ultimate answer to how God combines justice and mercy. On the cross, Jesus bore the penalty of sin, satisfying God’s justice. At the same time, He extended mercy to sinners, opening the way for forgiveness and reconciliation.

When we meditate on the cross, we find both comfort and challenge. Comfort, because we see that God’s mercy is available to us despite our failures; challenge, because we are called to extend that same grace to others. How can we, in our daily lives, learn to balance truth and grace as God does?

Mercy That Gives Hope

“Though God is just, He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” — John Wesley

“Mercy always flows from the heart of love; it is love bending down to lift up the fallen.” — J.R. Miller

God’s justice holds us accountable, but His mercy gives us hope. Without mercy, we would live in fear of judgment. Without justice, we would never know the transformative power of righteousness. Together, they create a path for true repentance and renewal.

Reflecting on this balance, we might ask: How does receiving God’s mercy inspire us to live righteously without fear of condemnation? It reminds us that we are not striving for righteousness to earn God’s favor, but responding to His mercy with gratitude.

Living Out Justice and Mercy

“Christian love is not blind. It sees the flaws but forgives them, sees the faults but covers them.” — C.S. Lewis

“To live justly is to imitate the God who both judges rightly and shows mercy continually.” — Richard Foster

The call to live justly and mercifully is at the core of Christian discipleship. In a world that often demands only one or the other, how can we reflect both? One practical step is to remember that justice without mercy becomes harsh, while mercy without justice becomes weak. Both are necessary to live in the way of Christ.

This raises a crucial question: What practical steps can we take to reflect both justice and mercy in a world that often demands only one or the other? Perhaps it begins with prayerfully asking God to help us see situations through His eyes and respond with wisdom, grace, and courage.

Finding Strength in God’s Perfect Balance

“In the end, we shall see that mercy was at work even in what seemed like pure judgment.” — Alexander Maclaren

“It is in God’s justice that we find hope, and in His mercy that we find peace.” — Eugene Peterson

When we encounter suffering, injustice, or personal failure, trusting in God’s perfect balance of justice and mercy can bring great comfort. His justice assures us that evil will not have the final word, while His mercy reminds us that He walks with us in our pain, offering grace and hope.

How can trusting in God’s perfect balance of justice and mercy strengthen us during difficult times? It gives us the assurance that no matter what happens, God is working all things for good. Justice will prevail, and mercy will sustain us.

Conclusion: Justice and Mercy in Our Story

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of a rock-like justice.” God’s justice and mercy are not opposing forces but two aspects of His unchanging love. Through Jesus, He makes a way for both to coexist perfectly. As we seek to follow Him, may we learn to embody this balance in our lives—standing for truth, offering grace, and trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Let us take comfort in the fact that God’s justice will one day set all things right and that His mercy will always be enough for us. In this balance, we find hope, peace, and the courage to live out our faith with integrity.

Prayer:

Lord, 

You are both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. Thank You for the cross, where Your justice was satisfied and Your mercy poured out for us. Teach us to live in the light of Your grace, standing for truth while extending love. Help us to trust Your perfect balance in all things and reflect Your heart in our daily lives.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.