One touch from Jesus

A ruler in the synagogue came to Jesus and said, 'My daughter is dying; if You will lay Your hands on her, she will live!' So Jesus began to journey to the man's house. But while He was on His way, a crowd gathered around Him. In that crowd is a woman. She is in a critical condition. The Bible says she had been bleeding for 12 years; she had spent all her money on doctors in a vain attempt to get well. But the doctors could do nothing. And in actual fact, after all her treatment, she was worse.

Through this story I want to show you that there is a solution to every problem and crisis. In your struggle, in your battle for survival, reach out and find Jesus. What mystery there is in touch. When a child is born, that first touch by the mother means so much. She has carried the child for 9 months yet has never touched him; and in that first touch her hopes and dreams are realised. Do you understand how important physical contact is? The child falling over in the street cries out; there is only one comfort, when the mother comes, picks up the child and tenderly embraces him. A mother's touch is an expression of her love. It is the same with Jesus. These two people in Mark 5 recognised that if they can just touch Him a miracle will happen.

'Angels beckon me to come a little closer. Then Lord You said to me, leave behind your problems. Fears and troubles, some untold, surrounded by Your love. My tears You'll wipe away. To lean upon Your promises, never turning from You away.' - (Lamb of God)

Be encouraged as you listen to this week's podcast: One touch from Jesus.



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'Jesus Jesus Jesus', 'Dios es Amor' & 'Lamb of God' used by kind permission of www.vinesong.com

The importance of touch

The sense of touch is one of the most important emotional bonds we have. Touch directly affects the way we view the world. The softer the touch, the happier and more content we are; the harder the touch, the more aggressive and defensive we become. When we greet one another, the sense of touch instantly determines our emotional response to them. When we are in trouble and need reassurance, touch can ease the fear and calm the torment. How does a parent bond with their child? Through touch. How does a relationship breakdown? Through lack of touch. What a difference touch can make.

The woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 was desperate just to reach out and touch the hem of Jesus' garment. She knew that touch would change her life. The moment she touched Him Jesus asked, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and the disciples who were with Him said, Master, the multitude press You, and yet You say, Who touched Me? But Jesus knew somebody had touched Him. We have all experienced that moment in a crowd when someone touches us differently; our body immediately identifies that something has happened. It was the same for Jesus. She was the only one to touch Him with faith; it instantly singled her out from the crowd around.

I want to encourage you. Like with this woman, whatever the crisis in your life, reach out to Jesus. In your darkest moment, when you are hurting more than you've hurt before, Jesus is there. He's not forgotten you. He is one touch away. Jesus said, 'I will be with you always'. Every day, every hour, in the middle of every storm, in the middle of every sickness, or lying on a road as the result of a car accident, Jesus will always come. Whatever the crisis, there is never a moment when He's not there. Jesus is only one touch away from you. One cry, one call, and He is there to answer.