聽If there鈥檚 one expression we all probably have heard as a child, as a parent or as a grandparent, it`s ``Don`t touch!`` Sometimes spoken as a warning, it can prevent burns or cuts or even disciplinary consequences.聽 Fortunately most of this caution continues into adulthood but not always. For example, I`m writing this piece at computer of dear friends who came to my rescue when someone (no names given) decided to inspect the set-up of my office equipment: Oops, no phone, TV or internet access.
Don`t touch can reach beyond physical contact, too. I`m always disturbed by the drama, and may I say hullabaloo,聽 that accompanies some religious presentations. They nearly always contain grand promises of immediate health and unprecedented wealth, all dependent on a generous offering of money, of course. I`m not saying that God never gives these things to His people, but they`re not for sale.
In musing on these thoughts, I am reminded聽 of the story of an unnamed woman recorded in the gospel of Matthew. (14:18-22). in her desperate need of healing and deliverance from a severe medical condition that had lasted twelve years, she slipped quietly into the crowd of people who were following Jesus. In this story, Christ and His disciples were on their way to bring comfort and healing to the young daughter of an important ruler. This man had humbly and perhaps as an act of desperation, come and asked Jesus to heal his daughter. The women with that issue of blood did not attempt to interrupt or to gain Jesus鈥� attention to herself, but rather she said to herself: ``If I could just touch His garment I shall be made well.鈥� 聽
She may have thought that no one noticed but Jesus did. Turning around He asked, 鈥淲ho touched me?鈥� She did. We can do the same!
