The interplay between word and touch in this passage is fascinating. The appearance of this "man clothed in linen" causes Daniel to lose all strength (v8). Then the sound of his words puts Daniel to sleep (v9).
Only the touch of "a hand" (whose hand? We don’t know!) aroused Daniel and set him on hands and knees (v10). Then the words of the man raise Daniel to his feet (v11).
We live in a day where "touch" has been sexualized. We can’t ignore that! We can’t pretend that our culture doesn’t exist. It does – and it affects us! But we need to recognize that there is a power in touch that is not sexual – and must not be perverted!
Because there is a danger in touch! The closer we get, the more harm I can do. Think of the kiss. In our day we tend to relegate kissing to romantic relationships – or parents with small children. But in scripture, the kiss has many functions. There is the holy kiss – the kiss of peace – that expresses the intimacy of the body of Christ. But of course, the holy kiss – the kiss of peace – also reminds us that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
The closer we get, the more harm we can do!
So it might seem that it would be better to keep everyone at arm’s length! If no one gets close – then I can’t get hurt!
But look at Daniel. If no one gets close – then he will remain passed out on the ground.
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is a great picture of this! Literally giving your breath to someone else!
There is a positive place for touch that brings life and strength – as when Jesus touched the leper – or when we anoint the sick with oil.
We need to recapture that non-sexual approach to touch.
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