September 15

“Who touched Me? Jesus asked.” — Luke 8:45

The people were crowding against Jesus, and many people touched him; but there was one touch different from the others. There was a heart’s cry in it, a pleading, a piteous supplication. It was a touch of faith, inspired by a deep sense of need. It was not an accidental touch, a mere touch of nearness; it was intentional.

This incident illustrates what is going on all the while, about Christ. We cannot move without pressing up against him. Sometimes in our heedlessness we jostle him rudely. But when among all earth’s millions, one person intentionally reaches out a hand to feel after Christ, to touch him with a purpose, to seek for some blessing, to crave some help–Jesus instantly knows the pressure of that touch, and turns to answer it. He knows when any heart wants him, no matter how obscure the person, how poor, how hidden away in the crowd. Blessing came that day to none in that crowd, so far as we know–except to this poor, sick woman, who touched Christ’s clothes. It came to her, because she had a burden on her heart–and sought Christ’s help.

So in every company, there are some who are close, and yet receive no blessing, because there is no faith in their touching. Then there are those who are no nearer–but who reach out their hands in faith, and touch Christ’s clothes, and go away helped, comforted.