The Untouchables

"And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. " Mark 1:41

My wife was studying the other night for one of her classes and quoted something that arrested my attention. She said research shows that those who are deprived of touch find themselves sometimes dealing with mental and social difficulties. She went on to say that touch is a basic need that we have as human beings. As I reflected upon this, I thought about those babies in orphanges that are often deprived of touch. I took it a step further to raise the question who are those individuals in our society that it seems that nobody is willing to touch?
In our text today , we meet a man who had was dealing with a dreadful disease known as leprosy. Because of this condition, which caused him to be isolated from his family and friends, society and the system labeled him as "untouchable." Yet in spite of his sorrowful situation, our Lord was able to transform his life through a touch. Who are the "untouchables" in our lives today? Who are the ones that our society ostracizes and criticizes? Are we willing to touch the untouchables? We can do so if we follow in the footsteps of our Master, Jesus Christ.
First, we must have Compassion for individuals. The text says Jesus was "moved" with compassion, therefore He touched the man with leprosy. In other words compassion moved Jesus to move. The problems, and predicaments that plague our community should move us to make a move and make a difference. Secondly we must be willing to Connect with individuals. Jesus could have healed the man in a number of ways but He touched the man to let him know that He was willing to connect with him. As His followers we must be willing to connect with the least, last, and lost of society. Finally we must Communicate to individuals the message that God is willing to heal their brokeness. After the man demonstrated his confidence in Jesus' ability to help him, Jesus told the man "I will; be cleansed." We must passionately proclaim this message of hope to those who are hurting and need healing.
Today look around at the people God has placed in your path that he wants you to touch in a positive way. Reach out and touch somebody's life for the Glory of God!
Peace!