"Just One Touch"

When they crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. Mark 6:53-56
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Every time I read this section of scripture it reminds of a song that I heard and loved, years ago when I first became a Christian called Gotta Tell Somebody by Don Fransisco. Now I realize that the story in the song is not the same but the thing at the end about how he couldn't stay silent but had to tell anyone and everyone what Jesus did for him; that is what I see here in this section of the word. I see how news of Jesus spread and I can't help but think about what great job the man that Jesus set free from the legion of demons did in the telling of what Jesus did for him.

We find his story a couple chapters earlier in Mark 5:1-20. After Jesus had set him free those around that had owned the pigs had asked Jesus to leave because they were afraid. The man had wanted to go with Jesus but He did not permit him and instead told him ..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."  And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. Mark 5:19-20

Now a couple pages later, when Jesus shows up in the area He is immediately recognized! Not only do they welcome Him instead of asking Him to leave but they deliberately run through the whole region and go out of their way to make sure that everyone knows that He has hit town. The people responded instantly by flocking to Jesus and bringing all their sick, hoping and begging to be allowed to touch the border of His garment and as they do as many as touched Him were made well.

The people flocked to Jesus believing that He could make a difference because they had seen and heard  what Jesus had done to set this man free. He had obviously planted his share of seeds of faith! What about you? Are you planting seeds of faith with your friends and family like Jesus told this man to do? Are you telling those you know and love about what He has done for you? Does "I Gotta Tell Somebody" rise up within you? Do you make sure those you come in contact with know that Jesus hasn't changed? He is still the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is still His heart to set men free! His heart is still a heart full of compassion to heal and to meet the needs of men. Tell them!  It still only takes just one touch!