September 21, 2019: SOAP #3579:  Daniel 7-8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

Observation:  It had been a long day.   Jesus had been at the synagogue and had gone to Peter’s home.  Peter’s mother-in-law was ill; Jesus healed her.  She prepared a meal for them.  The news spread that Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law so all the sick in the area gathered outside the door.  Jesus did not send them away because he needed some rest; He ministered to them.  He laid His hands on each one!    He did not hurry because He was tired, or it was getting dark outside.  He touched each one!

Application:  All ministry from the Lord is personal.  I may be seated in a congregation with hundreds of people, but God speaks to me personally.  Sometimes he sends one of his servants to minister to me personally.  Sometimes I hear a radio ministry or read a book.  But God speaks to me personally.  He touches me!

I remember a youth camp where I was wondering if God still wanted to use me.  I asked God that our district superintendent, Paul Lowenberg would lay his hands on me.  I thought it would happen during the evening altar service.  But one noon time as I was standing in line for lunch, Bro. Lowe approached needing to cut across the line.  Probably unknowingly to him, he went out of his way to cross where I was standing.  He laid his hand on my shoulder and acknowledged me.  His touch was God’s touch.

I need to be careful that I do not hurry by someone to whom God would have me minister.  God may use me to personally touch them and impart a sense of His Presence and His Care.

Prayer: Touch me, Holy Spirit, then touch someone else through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!