A Short Thought on Denominations

"And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent around to all that region and brought to Him all who were sick and implored Him that they might only touch the fringe of His garment. And as many as touched it were made well" -Matthew 14:35-36

Does this not show God's loving acceptance of, and condescension to, His creatures? One person says (and believes in her heart) that to be healed she must be touched by Jesus while He speaks some audible words. We might trace this belief back to her mother's womb, where God carefully, uniquely knit her to be more inclined toward touch.

Another person says (and believes in his heart) that he only need touch Jesus' garment to be saved. And yet another has faith enough to believe that Jesus simply need speak a word, and his relative 100 miles away can be healed.

In Gennesaret, Jesus never said to the throngs, “No, but you must follow these such and such procedures in order to be healed,” or, “I need to place my hand on you, or it cannot happen.” It was their faith that mattered. He wanted them to see that. I doubt that any two healings were ever the same.

I wonder how this attitude of Jesus' might apply to the different veins in biblical Christianity today, and their varying approaches to worshiping and understanding God. Doesn't He condescend to our broken selves, and in unspeakable grace and love meet our every need?

Imagine a Presbyterian who has a vivid, powerful, moving thought about God after some time in the word. That's what he might call it: a thought. Imagine a Charismatic having the exact same experience. He might call it a “vision.” Perhaps God is okay to let each believe his belief in his incomplete understanding, and to meet them at the lower level of their thinking without judgment or displeasure. After all, both attribute the source of the thought/vision as God, and glorify Him who is able to do both of those things and far more!

I'm sure this can be applied in many, many more areas, but this will do for now to get the thoughts stirring.