"But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And the woman was made well from that hour." Matthew 9.22
It was not Jesus who healed the woman with the issue of blood, but her faith in Him. Here is the secret of miracles. The assurance that Jesus will do what He promised. "Surely, He took upon Himself our infirmities and carried our sorrows upon Himself..." (Isaiah 53.4).
It works like this: As you read this text and believe that your infirmities have ALREADY BEEN CARRIED IN THE BODY OF JESUS, THEN YOUR FAITH WILL ALSO SAVE YOU!
"I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." Psalm 116.13
The Cup of Salvation is the Lord Jesus Christ. To take it means committing to Him entirely. It's like a serious marriage, where the couple takes responsibility for each other for life. In relation to the Lord Jesus, marriage is for eternity.
"But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Romans 8.9
Even before Paul revealed that, Jesus had already said: "... unless one is born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” John 3:3;
Then he said: "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered..." John 15.6.
Finally, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20.15.
Do these verses require interpretation?
"And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Matthew 8.2
Contrary to what suffering religious people and people in general have believed, the LORD God, through His Son Jesus, has shown that the source of fresh water cannot flow bitter water too. The leper thought so, so he said "if you are willing." But God always wants the best for everyone.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7.26-27
The problems faced by the prudent are similar to those of a fool. The difference is that the prudent is unshakable, stands firm forever, whereas the fool cannot stand it and collapses. Worse: great is his fall. The ruin goes beyond physical loss, but concerns to the loss of his soul.
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock." Matthew 7.24-25
Building a house on the rock requires more time, money and overall effort. However, once ready, nor even tsunamis are not able to bring it down.
The same applies to one who builds his life on Jesus. That is, listening and practicing His Word.
"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like." Luke 6.47
Wisdom is a virtue that few possess. Not because it is only available to a few people. But because few are willing to pay the price to acquire it.
The teachings of Jesus, when practiced, can materialize the impossible dreams. Those who are wise invest in it and reap a lifetime of distinction from the foolish.
