It is not difficult for us to understand how Jesus reached out to hurting people as he walked upon this earth and changed their lives. He was there for them. He could directly touch their lives. But what about us today? What about our hurts and fears, our anxiety and emotional distress? Does Jesus offer to us today the same help and compassion as he did to the people of his day? If so, how does his compassion extend to us today?

I am sure there are hurting people who wish that Jesus could come back and touch their lives today, but according to the apostle Paul, for us to be changed by the saving power of Jesus Christ, it is not necessary for Jesus to be among us in the flesh. Paul explains how Jesus touches our lives today in Romans 10:6-8:

Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down) or, “Who will descend into the deep?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.

According to the apostle Paul, the life-changing power and grace of God are delivered to us through the Word of God. Having Jesus touch our lives through His Word rather than as a result of his earthly presence is not an inferior method. In fact, Jesus himself told his disciples that it was better for them that he was going away, because the Holy Spirit, whom he described as “the Comforter,” would be given to them. By attaching himself to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit would convict hearts and change lives (John 16:7,8).

Excerpt from Truly Transformed by Don Matzat