It Happened Along The Way!

Interesting things can happen to us along life’s way. Some of those events can be life changing if we let them. As we go through life there are many opportunities to be impacted in right ways. Whether or not that happens depends on how we perceive ourselves and whomever (or whatever) we are brought into CONTACT.

While Jesus was on the way to Jairus’ house (a synagogue ruler whose daughter was sick at the time of his going to Jesus, but then died, yet was raised by Jesus -- Luke 8:49-46), there was an encounter along the way. As Jesus’ popularity grew it became difficult for Him to go anywhere without crowds forming and encircling Him. The people pressed around Him ( Luke 8:42) perhaps trying to get as close to Jesus as possible. That in itself is a noble aim. However, once drawn close and into CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST, how one is impacted and walks on from the experience is of eternal significance.

Note Luke’s record of a close encounter.
“(43) And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. (44) SHE CAME UP BEHIND HIM AND TOUCHED THE FRINGE OF HIS GARMENT, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. (45) And Jesus said, ‘Who was it that touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, THE CROWDS SURROUND YOU AND ARE PRESSING IN ON YOU!’ (46) But Jesus said, ‘SOMEONE TOUCHED ME, FOR I PERCEIVE THAT POWER HAS GONE OUT FROM ME.’ (47) And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. (48) And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’” ( Luke 8:43-48 ESV)

According to Peter’s statement it is clear that others touched Jesus besides this woman. In such a crowd CONTACT would have been hard to avoid. As the crowed pressed in around Him, though others bumped or brushed against or even purposely touched Jesus, it was only the woman on this occasion who drew power from that CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST. Perhaps there were many people around Jesus who were curious or wanted to see Him perform a sign of some sort. This woman, on the other hand, had a need and she looked in faith to Jesus for that need to be met. She saw Jesus as her last hope of release from her sickness and because of her faith ( Luke 8:48) received power through her direct CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST.

Today there are many who are brought into CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST by the example of those living Christ-like lives, through reading the truth of Him in the Scriptures, or by hearing that truth verbally proclaimed. Nevertheless, not all come away having benefited from Christ’s life changing power. How are we impacted as we have come into CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST, our only hope of relief from a sin-sick soul and the only means of receiving the promise of eternal salvation?

As John began his first short letter, he wrote…
“(1) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and HAVE TOUCHED WITH OUR HANDS, CONCERNING THE WORD OF LIFE -- (2) the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us -- (3) that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, SO THAT YOU TOO MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US; and indeed our fellowship is WITH THE FATHER AND WITH HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.” ( 1 John 1:1-3 ESV)

John was not one who had merely a brief encounter with Jesus. His life had been changed through His CONTACT WITH THE CHRIST. He testified regarding the Christ with the aim of drawing others into fellowship with Him. Through that fellowship is the CONTACT that provides life. May we remain in fellowship with Christ to continue receiving His life changing and truly life providing ( John 10:10) power.

Have a great day CONNECTED TO DRAW LIFE POWER FROM THE LORD!
Carl

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