He Touched Me

Remembering Jesus in Memory Care – He Touched Me

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

Through the song, “He Touched Me,” Bill Gaither also touched a place in hearts all over the world. Since it was written in 1960, those words, “He touched me and made me whole,” have been translated into scores of languages, because no matter our culture, language, or race, we all share the longing to be touched. In his ministry on earth one of those moments is captured in the first chapter of Mark:

“And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 
Mark 1:40-41 ESV

The leper, who could not legally come into contact with any other human being not only longed to be healed, but also needed the acceptance and assurance that the simple touch of Jesus gave him. In memory care facilities, where residents live in locked units, there is often no one who touches them who isn’t paid to do so. Days or even weeks may pass without a single friendly hug, kiss on the forehead, or even a handshake. When we visit people whose abilities to communicate are limited and who are often forgotten by family and friends, few things will communicate the love of Christ better than a simple touch. Just as He did for that leper, Jesus is willing to reach out and touch them. But today the hands of Jesus to give that healing touch belong to you and me.

A Second Touch

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments 
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:7-8 NIV

“He Touched Me” was written in 1963 by Bill Gaither and became one of the best loved and most recorded Christian songs of the twentieth century. It became so popular that Elvis Presly chose it as the title song of an album for which he won the Grammy award in 1972. Though this generation of young people may have never heard the song, those who love Jesus, still long for God’s touch. But there are times in life, when a single touch, even from God is not enough. Like Elijah, we still believe God, but we have given up on ourselves. “Surely God has someone better than us for the job.” we say to ourselves. Are you so tired of how things have been going that today, you simply want to lie down and give up? The good news this morning is that even if we have given up: God has not! He has not written us off and is not looking for someone else to replace us. God sent His angel a second time for Elijah, and though He may not use an angel, God has a fresh word for you and me this morning, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” God is offering us not only a second touch, but also a new direction and new strength for our journey, which will lead us all the way to Him!