When men in dire straits reach out in faith, their touch of faith draws virtue from Yahweh Elohim. Numbers 15:37-41 speaks to the ribbands of blue, the heavenly colour, the reminder of a separated walk with God and an intense focus on the heavenly; ignoring all that’s around us to cause distractions! Such is the focus that energises the faith touch! Our texts speak to this:

Jesus and his apostles came down from the hillside to a level field, where a large number of his disciples waited, along with a massive crowd: people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal district of Tyre and Sidon. They had all come to listen to the Word so that they could be healed of their diseases and be set free from tormenting demonic powers. The entire crowd eagerly tried to come near Jesus, to touch him to receive healing, because a tangible, supernatural power emanated from him and healed all who came close to him. Luke 6:17-19 (TPT)

As Jesus started to go with him to his home to see her, a large crowd surrounded him. In the crowd that day was a woman who had suffered greatly for twelve years [The daughter of Jairus was twelve years old; this woman had suffered for twelve years. Jesus touched the girl; the woman touched Jesus.] from slow bleeding. Even though she had spent all that she had on healers, [Translated from the Aramaic text, which states literally “the house of healers.” This phrase is not found in many Greek texts.] she was still suffering. Pressing in through the crowd, she came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe [This was on the corner of the prayer shawl, and the tassel was meant to symbolize all of the commandments and promises of God. The woman was laying hold of a promise for healing.] of his garment. Instantly her bleeding stopped and she was healed. Jesus suddenly stopped and said to his disciples, “Someone touched me. Who was it?” [Jesus already knew the answer to his question. He wanted the woman to come forward and acknowledge her healing.] While they all denied it, Peter pointed out, “Master, everyone is touching you, trying to get close to you. The crowds are so thick we can’t walk through all these people without being jostled.” Jesus replied, “Yes, but I felt power surge through me. Someone touched me to be healed, and they received their healing.” When the woman realized she couldn’t hide any longer, she came and fell trembling at Jesus’ feet. Before the entire crowd she declared, “I was desperate to touch you, Jesus, for I knew if I could just touch even the fringe of your garment [She was touching the hem of the robe of our anointed High Priest, Jesus. See Ps. 133:2.] I would be healed.” Jesus responded, “Beloved daughter, your faith in me released your healing. You may go with my peace. Luke 8:42b-48 (TPT)

So, we see the relevance of the ribands of blue here, the focus on the hem of the robe of the anointed High Priest, Jesus. Indeed, there were many crowds around Jesus, the living Word just as many today crowd around the Bible, the written Word. But only those who “touch” the Scriptures in faith receive its promises, just like the sick woman received her healing. Do you want to experience His virtue or power in your situation heed these examples, summarised by Paul’s message to the Colossians in Colossians 3:1-10 (AMPC). Selah.
Pastor Afolabi Oladele