April 27, 2012 Blessed Touch

A Blessed Touch Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. OUR culture has become a very “non-touch” culture. Part of it is based on a northern European heritage. Part of it is based on a great fear of inappropriate touch. And part of it is just plain ignorance of the power of a loving touch. Psychological, spiritual, medical and relational studies have repeatedly demonstrated that a loving touch from one person to another is an honoring, life-giving gesture. In a recent class at our church on John Trent’s book “The Blessing”, a group discovered that the Bible always records that Jesus touched those he healed. The Bible shows the power and the necessity of the loving touch as a means to pass forward a blessing—an honor, a validation—from one generation to the next. People didn’t just want him to speak to their children, they wanted Jesus to touch them! When the disciples said, “No.” he turned and said to them, “No.” Then he gathered them in his arms. How beautiful is this picture of a loving creator, honoring his creation. He’s showing you parents, grandparents, mentors, honored friends what you need to do—bless the children with loving touch. Pause and consider how Jesus’ reaches from the cross to bless you.