You see, contrary to modern ‘theology’, Jesus wasn’t just a good man, wasn’t just a prophet, wasn’t even just a Savior; the power of His love and purity was so great that He did all that we could see with our eyes that was miraculous AND what we couldn’t see - He carried all of our sin (and its consequences) with Him to hell (where it belongs).

Although He was the victim of victims, the ultimate victim of all time because He was faulted for all our sins. But He never acted like a victim because He knew He was the Victor, the Victor over death and He used that status to minister mercy and grace to Peter.

What did she touch? The word used in the Greek for “hem” referred to a tassel, but in two accounts, Jesus specified “Me”. That is, Christ knew she had contacted Him, His inner being, not simply His garment. He explained,

“Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” (Luke 8:46)

Irrespective of your life’s circumstances, rich or poor, leader or loser, exalted or expelled, if you come to Christ, He will respond to you. You may actually touch Him from behind or worship Him before His face and He will respond.

When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7)

Now, this verse is the Lord speaking to Job. At the conclusion of his tribulation, God chided him, saying:

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:4)

A single word from Jesus turned dear Mary from a weeper to a worshipper. Of course, it was a spirit-filled word as are all the words from Christ. In an instant, she was no longer feeling alone or forsaken. Her Maker, her Love, her Redeemer was clearly alive.

Even in the beginning, there was a distinction between life and eternal life (which was available via the tree of life – see Gen 3:22) and it was always a choice. There was/is more to life than just living.

So, what is the person who thirsts spiritually looking for? What do they sense that they lack? Purpose, love, life, consolation, understanding, truth, wisdom,… many possibilities. I’ll suggest that anytime a person senses that they are missing, lacking something inside, not money or power or any fleshly thing; but rather, they are missing something in the heart, they are thirsty.

The first eviction. The language indicates that it was forceful. And the follow up made it clear that there was no coming back to Eden and especially to the tree of life for God placed at least two powerful angels and an impassable flaming sword to guard the way.

But it is key to understand that this working and gaining is NOT by human effort. It is entirely God’s Spirit at work in us and through us: