And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” Mark 8:24-26
After receiving the first healing touch from the Master, the blind man was asked whether he had been healed. He gave an honest answer, to the effect that he could see people but they looked like trees walking! That implies at least two things. Firstly that he was healed but his healing wasn’t complete yet. And he was humble and honest enough to admit it to the Lord Himself.
Secondly, we should understand that his condition of partial healing was dangerous. Imagine the disaster that would happen were he left with such a distorted vision! How many people would be hurt by mistake in his search for firewood? Thank God the Lord Jesus quickly administered a second touch!
Beloveds, this makes me wonder how many of us today have only received partial healing. I wonder how many saints today stopped after receiving one touch. Yes, they have had a genuine encounter with the Lord, but they are still work-in-progress. How tragic it is for them to think they are the finished article. As a result, they hurt so many people unawares.
How can you tell whether you need another touch? If you have a vision but your vision is distorted, you need another touch. If your calling is blurry, you need another touch. If you are confused about your purpose, you need another touch. If you don’t know your spiritual gifts, you need another touch. If you’re always hurting people, you need another touch. If you’re still struggling with sinful habits, you need another touch. When your faith is weak, you need another touch. When your zeal for God diminishes, you need another touch. When attending church is no longer exciting, you need another touch. When you feel lukewarm, you need another touch.
But how do you get another touch? Firstly, like the wise blind man, admit to the Lord Jesus that your need it. That means confessing your need. Don’t hide it. Don’t pretend. Don’t be proud. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask the Lord for another touch. Ask the Lord to touch you some more. Be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit often. Let the Spirit of wisdom and revelation open the eyes of your heart. Wait upon the Lord. Present your body to God as a living sacrifice as often as you can. Jesus will gladly touch you once again.
Actually, I’m of the considered view that we ALL need another touch of the Master’s hand from time to time. There is no shame in it. I’m happy to admit, “Once again, I need your touch!” How about you?
Pastor Josh