“When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.” Mark 6.53-56
The disciples and Jesus had a go of it! Lots to do and not much rest. Can you relate? They were weary, running fumes, yet willing to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
When the boat landed, people immediately recognized Jesus. And the crowds went wild. They came from all over — young and old, rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, the healthy and the sick just to be touched by Jesus. And they begged Jesus “to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”
Imagine that kind of desperation. You would do anything for relief, anything for healing, anything for God to step into your situation and bring immediate and instant healing. These first century folks had that kind of desperation — they threw out their pride, didn’t care what anyone thought, and ran with wild abandon to just touch the edge of Jesus’ garment.
Sometimes we think we have found relief from our troubles. Something happens and momentary we sense it– perhaps it’s freedom from depression or a good doctors report and we have hope. And more often than not, the need returns and we remain broken vessels needing the Masters touch.
The truth is — Jesus cares about each of us and he has the ability to bring hope into our lives. He has the ability to bring healing to our minds, bodies and souls. We do not need to go about it alone. Regardless of our situations, circumstances or life stages– God is the same today as he was yesterday (Hebrews 13.8). He will not leave us destitute, he will come to us. Actually, God is with you now, in the midst of your weariness, your neediness, your brokenness. For when Jesus ascended from this earth he sent back a Helper, the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of God the Father and God the Son — the third person of the Trinity. And he is sitting beside you, living inside you this very moment.
What is your greatest need? Christ can meet it. What is your deepest desire? Jesus can fulfill it according to his will and his purposes.
Lean into the Lord this day. Even when the day seems dark, Christ is near. And he has good things in store for you.
“O Lord God, thank you for being so faithful. When I am faithfulness, your love is stead fast. Come now, Holy Spirit, guide me into all righteousness. Allow me to shine with your love and find peace in your truth. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen