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Matthew 9:23-26 When Jesus came to the leader’s house, He saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. “Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And this news spread throughout that whole area.

All this week, at various times, I have been thinking about Jesus healing people. When Jesus healed them, it was a very personal encounter. Jesus spoke to the person directly – and nearly ever time, He touched the person.

A large part of the reason I have been thinking so much about this, I’m sure, stems from praying for Barney Clayton’s miracle of healing. Although I believe that no matter what ultimately causes our physical body to pass from this life, we will all be healed when we reach Heaven and the presence of Jesus – but I am also certain that God heals people in this life. I am living with one right now – my husband, Bob.

I think of Jesus, coming to Barney Clayton and touching his body and healing him of the leukemia. But there’s something else…

Luke 5:12-13 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Jesus even touched people who were considered unclean and untouchable. The scripture says the man was “covered with leprosy” – some other translations say he was “full of leprosy.” However we describe it, he is clearly not someone people would want to be close to or to touch. Yet, Jesus was not repulsed. Instead, He said, “I am willing” before He touched him.

Quite a few years ago, around the time that my sons were born, I became very interested in the science of human touch. I read a book on the subject written by an anthropologist. Even with his scientific expertise, the book was easy to read as well as interesting and he told many stories of the devastatingly detrimental effects when people, especially babies, are deprived of touch.

Now, we are a year into the pandemic, and nearly everyone I know no longer hugs others. Of course, I understand the necessity for caution, but where is line between caution and fear. If fear is driving us, let us repent of our fear.

Lord Jesus, I pray for Your healing touch to be on Barney Clayton. Please cause him to be well and whole and we will glorify You and praise Your name for this and for everything else You do. I also pray for You to heal all of us of the detrimental effects of the lack of touch we have endured over this past year. You created us to touch and be touched for our benefit. Help all of us to set aside our fears and do what is right and good for others more than what we feel is right and good for us. In Your name, Amen.

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved,
For You are my praise.