Touching Jesus
Mark 5:21-34
We touch Jesus not physically but from having an intimate relationship with Him. Akin to the level of connection a husband and wife, we also must seek to get closer to God to foster an intimate relationship. We must grow to know and understand His essence; we must come into contact with him frequently. It is only by this, that we can truly touch Jesus.
It is impossible to truly know and understand anyone if you merely operate under superficial knowledge of the person. Likewise, we just go beyond the surface and dig deeper into our relationship with God to truly develop a relationship with Him. Once you develop this connection, the desire to be in His presence, the yearning for more of Him grows.
David understood the significance of knowing and having an intimate relationship with God. Like a poem composed for a lover, David eloquently says of God in Psalm 63:1-8, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”
David had an encounter with God; he had touched God; this is evident in this scripture and in the reverence, David held for God. David’s relationship with God meant all other problems faded away. Knowing God means you know He’s your support, thus there’s no need to fear.Such a relationship with God is cultivated intentionally. It is not derived from a few quick interactions, but rather purposeful commitment to God.
Intimacy with God is necessary for our growth. To mature in our Christian walk, we must advance in our understanding and knowledge of God. Failing to do so means we risk being infants who desire milk even in our old age. (Hebrews 6:1-2, Hebrew 5:11-13) Developing a close relationship with God is the only way we can truly experience His power. (Phil. 3:10) We were created to have a relationship with God; connecting to Him is how we fulfill our purpose for existence.
Touching Jesus impacts us our lives in tremendous ways. Like the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5, touching Jesus can remedy a multitude of issues. We all are ridden with issues, be it attitude, financial, marital or moral issues; we have issues. However, we have the confidence that, like the woman with the issue of blood, we can be made whole. The woman’s issues did not prohibit her from accessing God; rather it drew her closer to Him. Her issue cost her everything, but with a touch, a change in her life happened. Let not our issues keep us from God, let us fall to His feet and leave our issues there. We must be honest with ourselves and with Him. We must be open to Him so we can be made whole. (Mark 5:30-33)
Let us not be like the crowd that gathered around Jesus in John 6:22-27;42. Let us seek to get close to Him for a touch. In the crowd there are many categories of people, the thrill-seekers who are merely following for the purpose of entertainment. There are the cynics, those who are doubtful in their hearts despite the manifestations of God’s power. In the same crowd we can find those who are present just for the sake of having somewhere to go. Along with this category are people who follow merely for association. Their intention is not to touch, but to be affiliated with greatness. The crowd also consists of people who follow because they seek something for personal gain. It takes no commitment to be part of the crowd, let us go beyond the crowd and touch Jesus. Let us not be satisfied with the little knowledge we have of Jesus. Dig deeper.
To become more intimate with God, to touch Jesus, desire more of Him. Pursue Him with everything in you. Take intentional steps to develop that relationship. Make the time, invest time with God and talk to Him. Communication is the lifeblood of every relationship, communicate with Him. Trust Him more; trust is developed when you spend more time with Him and lastly, allow the Holy Spirit to empower you. (John 16:3). Surrender to the Holy Spirit and let Him help you cultivate your relationship with God.
James 4:8 encourages us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. This calls for action, movement! God didn’t wait for us to do the things He’s done; He didn’t wait for us when He sent Jesus to redeem us. Likewise, let us no wait, take action and actively seek Him. Don’t just be close to Jesus; touch Him. Don’t just attend church and participate in the motions of Christianity.
Want more, seek more, do more.
You are as close to God as you want to be.