TAKE THE RISK

“In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, ‘Who touched me?’ When no one stepped forward, Peter said, ‘But Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands. Dozens have touched you.’ Jesus insisted, ‘Someone touched me. I felt power discharging from me.’ When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story—why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed. Jesus said, ‘Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!’ (Luke 4:43-48 The Message Bible)

You may not have the same issue or a long-time affliction like the woman in the text above, but what we get from this familiar account is that if you want to get closer to Jesus, take the risk. Your crowd may try to stop you but take the risk. You have tried to dismiss whatever has been discomforting you by trying all types of remedies, but you have not yet decided to take your “whatever” to Jesus. Well, I recommend that you rally up the faith the resides in you, reverse your thinking and really take the risk. There will be those who just see you as anyone, but if you take the risk, Jesus will see you as someone. So, take the risk and live blessed.

I have probably told you enough but let me tell you another true story about a young woman who wanted to be nearer to the pulpit at this historic church in Chicago. She wanted to get closer to where the word of God was preached. Yet, every week, month after month, she was redirected to the overflow to watch the preacher deliver the word on a big monitor. Now, in high school this young woman had sung in the school choir and even did a mind-blowing Beyonce routine at a school talent show. But she was more known for playing volleyball than singing in performances at the school. Nevertheless, just as determined as the woman in the text above was to get closer to the Living Word, Jesus, this young lady, living in our time, was determined to get where she could get closer and feel really blessed. So, she joined the choir. Did she get closer to the pulpit? Yes! Did she get closer to the place where the word could be clearly heard? Yes? Did she get so close that she would always exit, feeling like she could live well and being assure that she could live blessed? Yes! How did that happen? She took the risk.

My recommendation to you this Tuesday morning, regardless of what you are going through, take the risk and get closer to Jesus; closer by serving, closer by living out the lyrics of the song, “Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus if you please,” and get closer to where there will be no doubt that Jesus is a Life-Changer; Jesus is a Situation-Fixer, and Jesus is the One who can make you better. Listen! Even if you mistakenly think you have gotten close enough, move closer! Yes, take the risk! Be blessed!

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King