Description

Close Enough to Touch

You know, there are some problems that arise in our lives that are just beyond the scope of our ability to solve. And I think a wise and loving Heavenly Father has made sure of that. Why? Well, if we could solve every problem, answer every question, and cope with every crisis ourselves, what need would we have of Him? My friends, there is a much better world than this one waiting for those who in their extremity reach out for His power.

Thronged by a crowd, Jesus follows the anxious Jairus on an errand to heal his dying daughter. Within that crowd is a woman afflicted with an incurable disease. In seeking a cure, she has spent all her fortune, and now is not healed, but rather more sickly than ever.

Somehow she learns of the great healer and determines to go to Him, but because of the nature of her illness she is ashamed to ask for His help.

As Jesus passes in the crowd with Jairus she says to herself, “…If I may but touch [the hem of] his garment, I shall be whole.” (Matthew 9:21)

She pushes her way through the crowd, and from behind she touches the Master’s robe. Immediately there is a tangible surge of power that flows throughout the woman’s body. She is fully healed from that very moment!

Filled with emotion and gratitude, she drops back into the crowd out of sight. Jesus however stops, turns around and scans the crowd.

“… Who touched me? …” He asks. (Luke 8:45)

In effect Peter says to Him, “There are all these people pushing and shoving, and you ask ‘who touched me?’”

Jesus makes it clear though that this touch was different than any other. “… I perceive,” He says, “that virtue is gone out of me.” (Luke 8:46)

The woman, knowing that she was discovered, comes forward, falls at His feet, and confesses what she has done. With kindness and tenderness, the Master commends her for her faith.

“… Daughter,” He says, “… thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

Now this woman felt unworthy of Him, yet she compelled herself forward, driven by an overwhelming sense that she simply had nowhere else to go. That is how we exercise faith. We push ourselves toward Him, especially when we don’t feel like it. And now as then, there will come power into our lives, the power to heal, the power to change, but only – only if we will come close enough to touch.

Adapted from Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48.