Just a Touch
Scripture Reading — Matthew 9:18-22
“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
—Matthew 9:21
When Pope John Paul II went visiting cities around the world, he often walked among the people. He understood the power of a touch. Women fought their way to him and handed their babies to him. He held and kissed the children. The mothers believed their children received God’s special blessing.
The woman in our Bible story today wanted to be touched by God. When we are desperate, we will find a way to get close to the Master.
The woman had not been able to stop her bleeding for twelve years. She may have sought the help of many doctors, but nothing had worked. Her medical condition made her spiritually unclean, according to Jewish customs. No one wanted to be near her. When Jesus was on his way to see about a sick little girl, the woman managed to get near him, thinking, “If only I touch his cloak, I will be healed.” She believed that Jesus could heal her with just a touch. She took a risk, believing that Jesus was the Anointed One sent by God. She wanted to receive God’s touch. And she was never the same again.
The love of Jesus is only a touch away in fellow Christians who minister in his name. His touch can be felt through the prayers of saints near and far away. His healing can be known in friends who are only a phone call away. Do you need God’s touch today?
Lord, I want your touch today. Show me the people who can be Jesus to me, and help me to share your love with others. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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