The Touch of the Master

When we were younger and became sick or did not feel well we went to our mother and appreciated her tender touch.  That touch was all that was needed.  We knew her touch would help us through our difficulty.  As we grew into our adult years and became sick we longed for the touch of a doctor who could diagnosis the problem and give us an injection or a pill that would be a quick fix to make us better.  Chapter one of the Gospel of Mark tells the story of a man who had leprosy -- an infectious, communicable, debilitating disease -- which was incurable (in Biblical times) and resulted in death, usually within a decade.  The leper came to Jesus in faith acknowledging that healing rested in the hands of God and that Jesus had the power to heal him.  He said to Jesus, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40).   What we see next is Jesus reaching out to this man with compassion, touching him, and healing him with a simple command.  Here’s how the Scripture puts it: “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured” (Mark 1:41-42).  

You and I need to experience the compassionate touch of Jesus, the Master – maybe not because of a medical condition, but because of a difficulty or a problem that we face.  We need to: (1) Acknowledge God’s power and sovereignty – “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (2) We need to understand that Jesus feels a deep sympathy for us with a desire to help us – “Filled with compassion.”  (3) We need to know that Jesus is ready and willing to help us just as we are – “I am willing.”

Jesus is in the business of touching lives today.  It doesn’t matter who we are, what we have done, or the situation in which we find ourselves.  You and I can experience the wonderful touch of the Master – for cleansing, for healing, for restoration, for enrichment, for encouragement, for forgiveness of sins.  Are you willing to come to the Master for His tender touch to meet your need?

Disappointment, Sorrow...and Something Greater

All of us would rather not experience disappointment and sorrow.  However, these emotions are a part of life.  Someone may say something or do something that is the opposite of what we thought they would say or do and that disappoints us.  A broken relationship or the sickness or loss of a loved one may cause sorrow.  Amid disappointment, sorrow and grief there can be a ray of hope.

In the New Testament, when writing to the people who lived at Corinth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (II Corinthians 7:4).  Notice that Paul was facing many difficulties ("troubles"), and yet, he could experience joy.  In his difficult situations he took the opportunity to do two things:

1. Encourage the people to whom he was writing (“great confidence in” and “take pride in”) and
2. Find abundant joy (“in all our troubles…joy knows no bounds”).  

How could he find great joy through his difficulties?  From the Old Testament, Nehemiah helps answer this question when he said,“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).  Joy comes from the Lord and it does not depend on being in a good situation.  While you are going through a time of disappointment, sorrow or grief you can have great joy—if you let the Lord provide it for you.  What difficulty is discouraging you today?  Turn to the Lord.  He is ready to help you have abundant joy in spite of your situation.

Handling Difficulties

A short time ago I was driving on the freeway in the darkness of the early morning when I heard a loud noise that made me blink and jump.  I thought something hit my windshield.  After slowing down, looking quickly across the entire windshield, I could see nothing and assumed something must have hit a different part of the car.  After arriving at my destination I examined the entire body of the vehicle, but found nothing unusual.  It wasn’t until later that day, while driving in bright light, that I discovered a small crack in the very lowest part of the windshield that begun to spider out.  For the sake of safety, the windshield had to be replaced.  I hadn’t planned for that difficulty.  It wasn’t something that was on my schedule.  But it happened.

The same can be said of life.  All of us begin the day assuming that everything will be just fine.  And then a difficulty occurs, be it large or small.  It may be sickness, the loss of a friend, an accident, a disappointment, the death of a loved one, the decline or loss of an investment, a cloudy day, a word of discouragement, a project that failed, an increase in the cost of goods or services, or a cracked windshield.  We don’t plan for difficulties or insert them into our schedule, but they will come.

When difficulties come, how do you handle them, especially if they are major?  One Biblical example comes from the life of Paul and Silas.  They were headed to a prayer meeting but ended up beaten and placed in jail by the city magistrates.  They didn’t sit and mope, lash out against those who mistreated them, or sit and worry about what had happened.  Instead, the Scripture tells us, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).  The end result was that the men were released and able to minister to the jailor and his family.  Concerning difficulties:  (1) Realize that difficulties will come for everyone; (2) Understand that Satan will try to use the difficulty to get you to turn from God; (3) Recognize that difficulties will last for varying lengths of time; and (4) Know that God will sustain you through the difficulty.  It might be helpful to remember that God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).  To that the Apostle Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

What difficult situation are you facing today?  Is it small?  Is it big?  Whatever the size, turn it over to God.  Strength and hope for navigating your difficulty of life will come to you from God, if you turn to Him for help.

Against the Impossible

When the Israelites left Egypt and concluded the time that God led them through the wilderness they were about ready to cross over the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:1-2).  God had promised the land to them but it was noted that when they entered the land they would encounter that which looked impossible.  In the land they would find nations that were much bigger and stronger than they were.  They would find huge cities with fortified walls that would be impossible to penetrate.  They would also be approached by the inhabitants who were so tall they were considered giants against whom no one could stand.  To the Israelites all of this would be impossible were it not for one thing – God would go ahead of them.  With His strength, with His power, with His wisdom, and with His promises He would be with them.  After alerting the Israelites to all of the potential problems God gave them this reminder.  “Today know this: GOD, your God, is crossing the river ahead of you” (Deuteronomy 9:3).

What seems impossible that you must confront today?  Is it something that is bigger and stronger then you?  Is it something that seems impenetrable?  Is it something against which you feel you cannot stand?  What a great comfort and assurance it would be to know that God goes before you into your “impossible situation.”  Notice a few things about the reminder that God gave.  First, The God of all strength goes with you.  “God…is”.  Second, God is a personal God.  “Your God.”  Third, God gets involved when you step out in faith.  “Is crossing ahead of you.”

Don 't wait until you get into an impossible situation to turn to God. Turn to Him today and let Him help you as you face that which seems impossible.

An Opportunity for Service

What comes to your mind when you drive by a nursing home or an assisted living facility in the community in which you live?  Maybe nothing comes to your mind.  Or maybe you think “Those poor people.  I sure hope my kids never put me in a place like that.”  I would suggest that these homes are filled with opportunities – opportunities for you and me to serve others.  You might argue, “But, I can’t do anything.  I wouldn’t know what to do.”  Think about this:

• Can you read?  That’s wonderful.  Come and read to me.  I can’t see well enough to read any more.
• Can you write?  That’s fantastic.  Come and write a note for me.  I can’t hold a pen in my hand and I would like to share my greetings with someone I love.
• Can you walk?  Beautiful.  Come and push my wheelchair to different rooms where I live or outside if it is warm.
• Can you hear?  Wow.  Come and listen to some stories I have to share.
• Can you sing?  Wonderful.  Come and sing to me and I’ll follow along as best I can.
• Can you play dominoes or checkers.  That is great.  Come and play with me because many do not take the time.
• Can you talk?  Good deal.  Come and tell me about your family and your work.

Remember, the senior adults who live in these communities are people.  They have contributed to society and have made a difference in this world.  Where they live is “home” and you are invited to come.  Come and do what you can.  Some day you may live in one of these communities and you will certainly want someone to come to spend some time with you.  As you come remember these words from the Bible, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Where Can I Go?

When difficulties arise people want to know where they can go for a solution to their problems.  Many people turn to their doctor, some turn to pills and others turn to the Internet.  The individual going through a tough time may have a “best friend” with whom they share some of their experiences, but somehow they still feel uncomfortable talking about the problem they face.  As a result, most people try to address the problem on their own.  When no answers come, they sit and worry.

The best answer to the question of where we can go lies in the chorus of an old gospel hymn.  The lyrics state:

Where could I go?/ oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Where could I go but to the Lord?”

It is sad that even those who name the Name of Christ, and call themselves a Christian, often fail to follow the good advice in this song.  Jesus answered the question with a gentle but direct invitation when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  There are four aspects to His invitation:

(1) Go to the divine source – “come to me” (Jesus).
(2) Benefit from what Jesus has to offer – “I will give you rest” and “you will find rest for your souls”
(3) Enjoy His gentleness – “I am gentle and humble in heart”
(4) Accept His help through the problem – “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.

When difficulties beset you, don’t struggle on your own.  Turn to Jesus first, and let Him come alongside you to lighten your burden and help you endure.

Getting Slowed Down

One week ago I was slowed down considerably but learned some valuable lessons in the process.  It wasn’t the path that I would have chosen, but it transpired anyway.  How?  On my way out of work I slipped on ice and fell on my shoulder.  The pain was intense and I felt I had broken a bone.  After a trip to the Doctor’s Office, x-rays and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon, I was informed that I had an AC Separation.  Nothing was broken but I did need to have my arm in a sling and get some rest.  As a result of the accident, I have learned a number of things.

1)      Healing takes time.

2)      Extra rest is needed to stimulate the healing process.
3)      It is OK to ask others for help you when you need it.
4)      Modern technology and technicians are wonderful.
5)      Patience is necessary because others are not always able to help at a moment’s notice.
6)      Being slowed down gives you opportunity to reflect – particularly on what is really important including God, His Word and family.
7)      In spite of pain and inconvenience contentment is possible.

The last lesson reminds me of the Biblical expression of the Apostle Paul who said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).  To be content is to be happy, to be satisfied or to be at ease.  Notice that contentment is something that needs to be learned.   So far, through this incident, I have experienced contentment.  I was at ease, even when headed to the medical facility with the possibility of a broken bone and surgery.  God allowed me to be satisfied that He would take care of me, no matter what the outcome.

Maybe we need to slow ourselves down and learn the lessons that God may want to teach us without waiting for an emergency to slow us down.